FREEPORT — In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission received 2.7 million fraud reports with a total loss amount of $900 million. 

That’s why the Stateline Area Crime Stoppers are making it a priority to help the public become more aware of these fraud schemes. 

The Freeport Police Department and the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office will host a symposium at 6 p.m. March 5 at the Freeport Public Library. The symposium will provide knowledge needed to avoid being the next victim of a financial crime. 

This event is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first come first serve basis or reserve a seat by emailing statelineareacrimestoppers@gmail.com. For more information, call 815-235-8290. 

The Stateline Area Crime Stoppers believes its mission in the community is to go beyond paying tipsters for leads to arrests. They are dedicated to creating crime prevention efforts by bringing law enforcement agencies, public and private sectors and media together to form a team to help fight crime in Stephenson County. More symposiums are in the plans and announcements will be made soon.