Fraud and scams are on the rise in the United States. According to a 2025 Pew Research survey, an alarming 73% of U.S. adults have experienced an online scam or attack. While Americans of all backgrounds are targeted, the harm to individuals and families with low incomes can be devastating.

Judy, an 80-year-old resident of Assisi Homes of Neenah, a Mercy Housing Lakefront community for low-income older adults in Neenah, Wisconsin, was recently a victim of a scam that nearly wiped out her savings.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much this has taken away from me, not only my money, but my sense of security.”

Tanya Fryer, resident services coordinator at Assisi Homes of Neenah, organized an onsite fraud prevention training with the Neenah Police Department for residents shortly after Judy’s incident. Judy attended the training, learning new information to help protect her in the future.

“[I learned] about phishing scams, email scams, and phone scams.”

Partners who have provided similar training at other Mercy Housing Lakefront communities across the region include Bank of America, Cathay Bank, Huntington Bank, Old National Bank, PNC Bank, Wintrust Community Bank, AARP Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Age Guide, Aurora Police Department, Grayslake Police Department, Operation Hope, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Extension Jefferson County. Additionally, Mercy Housing Lakefront’s volunteer Financial Capability Advisory Council meets three times per year to advise Mercy Housing Lakefront staff on financial topics and programming strategies to address financial challenges impacting residents. We are grateful for these partners who are empowering residents to strengthen and protect their financial well-being.