In a groundbreaking collaboration to combat the growing threat of financial scams and fraud, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office are proud to announce the creation of the South Central Ohio Fraud Forum (SCOFF). This innovative partnership is dedicated to educating and empowering communities in the fight against fraudulent schemes.

Participating organizations include, but are not limited to: Kingston National Bank, Pickaway Co. Sheriff’s Office, Atomic Credit Union, The Savings Bank, Homeland Credit Union, Ross Co. Sheriff’s Office, The Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Fairfield Co. Sheriff’s Office, and Vinton County National Bank.

SCOFF aims to serve as a regional resource hub, leveraging expertise from a diverse network of partners to provide timely information, proactive education, and critical tools to protect individuals and businesses from fraud.

"Our communities deserve to feel safe and secure when it comes to their finances," said Phil Evans, Kingston National Bank CEO. "SCOFF brings together the best resources from financial institutions, law enforcement, and state authorities to deliver a unified message: we are here to protect and empower you."

Through community events, and public awareness campaigns, SCOFF will cover topics such as:

• Recognizing and reporting common scams, including phishing, identity theft, and investment fraud.
• Protecting sensitive personal and financial information.
• Guidance for victims of financial fraud to seek help and recover losses.

Kristin Posey, a representative from Atomic Credit Union, added: "This partnership is about creating a stronger, more informed community. By working together, we can significantly reduce the impact of scams that cost individuals and families millions of dollars each year."

The forum will also provide ongoing training for law enforcement and financial professionals to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to incidents of financial crime.

SCOFF invites residents and businesses in the South Central Ohio region to participate in upcoming events and take advantage of the resources available through this initiative. Stay tuned for more information regarding our first luncheon on January 16^th, 2025.

For more information on SCOFF, including upcoming events and educational materials, please email h.platz@kingstonnationalbank.com, kposey@atomiccu.com, bhood@homelandcu.com, Jennifer.rainey@thesavingsbank.net, or justine.fyffe@vcnbfamily.bank.