Protecting Seniors from Fraud: Tools, Trends, and Best Practices
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Elcona Country Club
Fraudsters are constantly evolving — and older adults are prime targets. Join the Elkhart County Estate Planning Council for an in-depth morning session on the latest scams, common fraud methods, and practical steps to safeguard your senior clients.
You’ll hear real cases, learn how to spot red flags, understand Indiana laws and FINRA rules, and walk away with resources you can use immediately. Plus, earn continuing education credits while connecting with fellow estate planning professionals.
This timely event is also a perfect reason to join the Estate Planning Council, where professionals like you stay informed, connected, and ready to serve our community well.
Schedule
7:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
Vernesa Harper – Senior Mgr – Advisor Services Fraud Prevention Team – Schwab
| 8:15 a.m. | Real-life scam story & discussion |
| 8:30 a.m. | Why seniors are targeted: income, assets, savings |
| 8:35 a.m. | Who scammers are and how they operate |
| 8:45 a.m. | Common fraud tactics: phishing, impersonation, social engineering |
| 8:55 a.m. | Top scams: grandparent, investment, romance, tech support |
Mike Duff – Director – Field Supervision – Edward Jones
| 9:10 a.m. | Scams vs. financial abuse; key tactics & Indiana laws; relevant FINRA rules |
| 9:15 a.m. | How investigations unfold: red flags, reporting, resolution |
| 9:25 a.m. | Case studies: client scenarios & power of attorney challenges |
| 9:40 a.m. | Trusted resources & prevention tools |
| 9:50 a.m. | Break |
| 10:05 a.m. | Expert panel discussion and Q&A |
Our Speakers
Vernesa Harper, Senior Manager, Advisor Services Fraud Prevention Team, Schwab
Fraud prevention is Vernesa’s passion. She dedicates her time outside of work to educating seniors in her community about evolving tactics and scams, helping them avoid victimization.
Vernesa has made a name for herself as a dynamic host and speaker for both Advisor Services webcasts and in-person learning events. She has hosted the virtual SOLUTIONS series (2020-2021), the virtual IMPACT 2022 event, and moderated one of the top-three educational sessions at IMPACT 2024.
With 30 years at Schwab, Vernesa has dedicated 25 years to roles in Retail and Advisor Services Fraud Investigations, Compliance, and Risk Management. She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and an M.A. in Education/Curriculum & Instruction. In 2018, she earned her certification as a Fraud Examiner and is an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
Vernesa Harper, known as Nes, serves as a Senior Manager on our Advisor Services Fraud Prevention Team, where she plays a crucial role in supporting the fraud prevention program. Her responsibilities include implementing policies and controls for risk mitigation, educating advisors and internal partners about fraud prevention, conducting research, and identifying trends in fraudulent activities.
Mike Duff, Director in Field Supervision, Edward Jones.
Mike has responsibility for the tactical delivery and strategic vision of the firm’s senior client protection initiatives, which includes the group that handles senior exploitation and diminished capacity matters. In addition to senior client protection, Mike also has responsibility for the firm’s Rollover Supervision, Advanced Branch Supervision, Compliance Service, and Change Enablement groups. Previously, Mike has had responsibility for communication supervision, transaction supervision, heightened supervision, insurance supervision, and retirement plan supervision.
Field Supervision is Edward Jones’s centralized escalation point for matters involving senior exploitation and diminished capacity. Mike is responsible for the group that investigates and resolves this caseload, which may include actions such as escalations to APS or law enforcement, use of state/federal report and hold provisions, escalations to the fraud department, authorization to utilize a trusted contact person, etc.
Mike graduated from the University of Illinois and has been with Edward Jones since 2004. Mike participates in a number of industry groups, including the SIFMA Senior Investor Protection Workgroup and the St. Louis Elder Financial Protection Coalition.
