BUTLER, PA — U.S. Postal Service Inspector Martin Blow and Butler City Police Chief Bob O’Neill teamed up today for a 45-minute presentation on how to avoid scams involving artificial intelligence, phone calls, email, mail and debit cards.

Blow and O’Neill fielded an array of questions about real-life experiences from the attendees. One attendee shared a personal scam story and wanted others to know that it is okay to admit when one gets scammed. “At first, like many, you are embarrassed to say you were scammed, however I wanted to be here to let others know, they are not alone. The more we share and educate each other, the better we are as a community.”

Tips were shared on how to identify, report and eliminate the threats. “I’ve been telling my kids and now grandkids for years, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, said one grandmother.

If the scam involved the U.S. Mail in any way, report it to postal inspectors www.uspis.gov or call 877-876-2455. The Inspection Service’s National Consumer Protection Week page has more information. Residents are reminded that USPS does not solicit cash or gift cards.

Chief O’Neill is offering similar fraud prevention presentations to organizations. Groups interested in scheduling a presentation can contact the Butler City Police Department at PoliceDepartment@citybutler.org or call (724) 285-4124.

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