The Branson Police Department will hold a free workshop aimed at helping seniors recognize and prevent online and phone scams. The event is scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Friendly Baptist Church in Branson.
Detective David Lingscheit from the department’s Investigative Service Unit will lead the seminar. The session will address various types of scams that commonly target older adults, including text message, email, and invoice scams; IRS and law enforcement impersonation; grandparent schemes; lottery, sweepstakes, employment, and investment frauds; romance and tech support scams; as well as identity theft. Attendees will also learn practical ways to protect themselves from such crimes.
“Our goal is to make sure every member of our community feels confident and protected, especially those who are most often targeted by scammers,” said Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt. “Criminals continue to evolve their tactics, and we want our residents to stay one step ahead. This workshop is part of our ongoing commitment to education, prevention and building trust with the people we serve. When our community is informed, our community is safer.”
Detective Lingscheit plans to share real-life examples of scam attempts and explain how to spot warning signs. Participants can ask questions during the session and receive guidance on reporting suspected fraud.
The event does not require registration and is open to everyone in the community.
