Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg Hosts Law Enforcement Leaders for SmartFinance Academy Scam Prevention Webinar

• Free 90-minute webinar moderated by Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg with Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Michigan Assistant Attorney General Michael Hill.
• Panelists will address financial fraud, property crimes, identity theft, digital impersonation and elder exploitation, sharing real-world cases and current enforcement efforts.
• Participants will gain actionable insights and practical tools to recognize, avoid and report scams on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Advance registration is required at oakgov.com/smartfinance.

Pontiac, Mich., Oct. 2, 2025 - Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg will host a SmartFinance Academy webinar, Protecting the Public: A Candid Conversation with Top Law Enforcement Officials on Today's Most Common Scams, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The webinar is free and open to Oakland County employees, residents, business owners and the general public. Advance registration is required at oakgov.com/smartfinance.

Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg will moderate a 90-minute webinar featuring panelists: Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Michigan Assistant Attorney General Michael Hill.

Panelists will discuss financial fraud, identity theft, property scams, digital impersonation and elder exploitation. They will share real-world cases, explain how law enforcement is working to disrupt these crimes and offer tools the public can use to protect themselves.

"Scams involving finances, property and personal information are more sophisticated than ever, and too many people fall victim before they realize what's happening," said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. "This conversation is critical and provides the public with practical knowledge to recognize, avoid and report fraud. I want to thank Sheriff Bouchard and Assistant Attorney General Hill for joining this conversation and sharing their insights."

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard will bring a local lens, highlighting scams that often begin close to home. He will discuss enforcement actions, community education and efforts to protect residents from fraud and related crimes.

"Sadly, scams are an everyday reality that victimize far too many people. All too often, victims feel too embarrassed to report what happened," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "We urge you to contact us anytime you encounter suspicious activity or believe you've been the victim of a crime."

Assistant Attorney General Michael Hill will highlight the state's consumer protection efforts, with a focus on prevention. He will discuss how the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team responds to scams while prioritizing public education to help residents identify and avoid fraud.

"The Michigan Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team stands ready to assist Michiganders who may have fallen victim to a scam, but our ultimate goal is to educate consumers and prevent it from happening in the first place," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "We encourage residents to stay vigilant and learn the hallmarks of a scam so they can spot and avoid scammers before giving away their money or information."

###

About SmartFinance Academy

SmartFinance Academy, led by the Oakland County Treasurer's Office, empowers residents and businesses with trusted financial education. Through expert-led webinars, tools and resources, the program equips the community to make informed financial decisions and build long-term security. For more information, visit oakgov.com/smartfinance.

For interviews or more information, contact:

Renée T. Walker

Oakland County Treasurer's Office [email protected] (313) 719-8038