Jane Carpenter, founder of Maine Identity Services, LLC will be at the Boothbay Region Community Center for the first of its “Evening Sessions” talks, which are free events open to the public.

In this session, Carpenter will be speaking to those attending about identify theft and how they can best protect themselves. Her company provides assistance to victims of identify theft and support for police organizations in response to these crimes.

“Identify theft is the fastest-growing crime in Maine, and the United States, today,” Carpenter said. “I help people learn how to avoid becoming a victim, and what to do if they are.”

Carpenter will be talking about tactics scammers use in identify theft, from the well-known “Nigerian prince” emails scams all the way to IRS fraud, which is where a fake return is filed under a person's name and their tax refund is stolen. IRS fraud, almost unheard of just a couple of years ago, has blossomed into a massive problem nationwide.

This program will take place on Jan. 19 at the center, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch will also be speaking about local scams that have targeted residents, and how to spot them.

Carpenter approached Community Center Director Jane Good with an idea to speak to residents, as many older residents take advantage of the center and often are easier targets for scammers.

“Older people do tend to be more at-risk,” Carpenter said. “However, everyone is vulnerable and needs to be aware of the risks in today's world.”

Carpenter has worked for over 10 years in assisting identify theft victims. Her work has helped create laws protecting victims of identity theft and data breaches; she is the author of the “Identity Theft Help Kit,” the “Data Breach Repair Kit” and the “Police Guide To Identity Theft.”

“In this crazy world, everyone needs to be aware,” Good said. “We've got to be smart about it. That's why I felt this was an important program to have.”

Space is limited at this free event, and early sign-ups are encouraged. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend. Sign-ups can be made at the center located at the Meadow Mall on Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor, or by calling the center at 633-9876.