By Nathaniel Sillin

A generation ago, most families didn't think about financial fraud. Today, it can come in many forms - over the phone, through the mail and increasingly, online. It's an equal opportunity crime that affects consumers of all ages.

For the 15th straight year, the Federal Trade Commission tapped identity theft as the number one source of consumer complaints in its 2014 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book (https://www.ftc.gov) released in February. The agency also noted a "large increase" in so-called "imposter" scams - phone calls and emails from thieves purporting to represent the government as a way to steal data and money from unsuspecting adults.

Young people - particularly students - may be the fastest-growing group of fraud targets. Due to their dependence and sometimes unwitting use of computers and mobile devices, young people may be the greatest potential victims of financial fraud, according to a 2015 study (https://www.javelinstrategy.com) by Javelin Strategy & Research. More than 64 percent of respondents said they were not "very concerned" about identity fraud, but were far more likely to find out they were fraud victims long after the damage occurred, such as through a call from a debt collector or a rejection letter from a lender.

Most consumers under the age of 18 shouldn't have a credit record at all. But as digital thieves become more sophisticated and federal agencies become occasionally vulnerable to hackers, critical privacy data like Social Security numbers - which many parents obtain for their children in infancy to save or invest money or buy insurance on their behalf - could be at risk years before a child ever opens a bank account or applies for a loan.

For all of these reasons, it may be time to think about a family fraud plan. Here are some steps to consider.

• Check the accuracy of all family credit data. Parents should begin by checking their own credit reports (https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action) to make sure creditor data and loan balances are accurate and no inaccuracies or unfamiliar lenders have crept into their information. Once clear, adult children can make sure senior relatives are taking similar steps. As for minors, the three major credit agencies - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian - have their own website guidelines for confirming and evaluating a minor's credit data.
• Make sure mailboxes are safe from thieves and any document with an account number or identifying data is destroyed before it is placed in the trash. The same goes for tax returns that are no longer needed.
• Learn how to protect all mobile computer and handheld data and have a plan in place in case any family member loses a smartphone, tablet or laptop/desktop computer. Tips are available online, from smartphone service providers and device manufacturers.
• Online, by phone and in person, be wary of collection demands or requests for Social Security numbers or other specific account data unless the identity of the caller can be verified. Fraudulent calls are called "vishing" scams, similar to "phishing" scams that involve fraudulent emails, texts and websites used to illegally collect personal data.
• Install all software security updates immediately on mobile devices and computers and ensure passwords are unique and frequently updated.
• Sign up for fraud alerts from banks, credit card issuers or investment companies to receive immediate word of unusual or potentially illegal activity on accounts.

Bottom line: Identity thieves and other financial fraudsters watch consumer behavior closely and are equally adept at stealing money and data in person, over the phone and online. Have a plan in place to protect the entire family.

The Figge Art Museum and Heart of America Group are pleased to announce the opening of the Figge Café located in the Figge Art Museum at 225 West Second Street, Davenport, IA 52801.  Lunch will be served Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m..

"We are pleased to partner with Heart of America to open the Figge Café, a beautiful and casual lunch atmosphere, that is great for both businesses and families," said Tim Schiffer, Executive Director, Figge Art Museum.

HOA's Executive Chef Steve Hall will create a new menu each week with a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts featuring both fresh and local food options, as well as, cappuccino and espresso available for dining in or carry out.

There is no museum admission fee to eat at the restaurant. Call 563.726.2087 to make your lunch reservation.  Walk-ins are welcome.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Cost of admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is always free to Figge and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, joined local volunteers and community leaders to provide meals and resources at the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event, held September 17 through 19 at the Q.C.C.A. Expo Center in Rock Island.

"We owe our freedom to those who have served, and I'm proud that our community stands behind them and embraces the 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event and to help veterans get the support they deserve," Smiddy said. "I'd like to thank 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' for their commitment to serving homeless veterans in our community, and for allowing me to join them for this important event. I invite everyone in our community to look for ways to help those who have served our country."

'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' is a local not-for-profit dedicated to serving veterans in the community, and connecting services at a variety of levels. The 13^th annual 'Stand Down for Homeless Veterans' event offered food, clothing, grooming, medical testing, support programs, legal assistance and employment counseling. 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' partnered with other local non-profits to host the event, and Smiddy attended the event to serve hot meals to local homeless veterans. Residents who wish to contribute to the organization or volunteer should contact Mike Malmstrom, co-director of 'Bridging the Gap Quad Cities' at 309-269-2012.

It cannot be put too strongly that businesses in the Hilltop Campus Village are open for business, and that patrons past and present are doing themselves and the businesses a disservice should they be avoiding these corridors due to the resurfacing of Harrison from 12th to 5th. Now is the time to visit, to patronize and to buy. Take this opportunity to continue to shop here if you already do, and to make this a special trip to expose yourself to what the Hilltop has to offer.