ScamJam2002 is the San Diego Better Business Bureau's seventh annual free anti-fraud seminar and exhibits.

It will be held at Golden Hall in the Community Concourse, 202 C Street, downtown San Diego, on Saturday, June 8, 2002 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free morning muffins and coffee, free hot dogs, chips and soda for lunch.

There is no charge for ScamJam, but reservations are required – just call 858-637-6199.

2002 speakers will include San Diego County District Attorney Paul Pfingst, network TV crime investigative reporter Chuck Whitlock and a panel of journalists including Don Bauder of the San Diego Union-Tribune, "Consumer Bob" Hansen, KGTV-10News' Troubleshooter Marti Emerald, Michael Turko of KUSI-TV and radio financial journalist George Chamberlin as moderator.

"Our goal is to help consumers learn how to avoid becoming victims of new and old scams," said Gerry Wilson, BBB President/ CEO.

ScamJam 2001 was a very successful event with more than 1500 people in attendance. The 2001 event was sponsored by Pacific Bell and featured several speakers and a free Consumer Expo, featuring information and exhibits from more than 70 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations.

The District Attorney started the program with an informative presentation about scams over the Internet. Then, Whitlock took the stage. The audience heard many examples of often-used trickery, including his "cons on camera." As Whitlock showed clips of his undercover scam reporting for various television programs, many gasped, shook their heads and muttered.

After Bauder warned the audience about Internet fraud, the TV news consumer reporters on the panel showed videos about scams they had reported. Beth Tornatore showed how BBB president Gerry Wilson's signature had been forged for fraudulent credit card purchases. Consumer Bob's story was about a Postal Annex posing as United Parcel Service. Emerald discussed lawyers stealing from clients. Turko offered advice about car repair scams. Very informative-and most amusing-speakers. And they will all be back on June 8.

Breakout sessions, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., were conducted by the FBI, District Attorney's office and California Contractors State License Board. A fourth breakout session discussed identity theft, and its speakers were officials from Victims of Identity Crimes Extended Services and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. For more information, contact the BBB at 858-637-6199 or e-mail to www.sandiego.bbb.org/ T

There are fliers with detailed directions and parking at the RB library, 2^nd floor at the Neighborhood Watch display board near the elevator, at the RSVP office and the Community Services office.

Rancho Bernardo Neighborhood Watch Block Captains and Coordinators are urged to attend; they can be extremely helpful by reporting the latest scams and frauds to their neighbors and friends.