Is this fraud?
Am I being scammed?
Assume the Worst.
Have you ever received a phone call, email, or text that just did not feel right? Maybe it sounded urgent. Maybe it sounded official. Maybe it asked for personal information or money.
Have you found yourself wondering: Is this a scam? Then this forum is for you!
Fraud and scams are evolving quickly, and they affect people of all ages and backgrounds. From phone and email scams to identity theft and financial fraud, these schemes are becoming harder to recognize and easier to fall victim to. This February, Sierra Nevada Forums will bring together trusted voices to help our community better understand how fraud works, how to spot warning signs, and what steps to take if something goes wrong.
Sierra Nevada Forums presents A Conversation About Fraud, moderated by Tabitha Mueller of The Nevada Independent. The conversation will focus on real-world examples, current trends, and practical guidance that attendees can use to protect themselves and those they care about.
Panelists include:
Moderated by Tabitha Mueller, The Nevada Independent.
Together, they will discuss the most common scams currently being used, how fraudsters target individuals, what to do if you have been affected, and steps you can take to reduce your risk in the future.
The discussion will also explore the human impact of fraud, including how scams affect a victim’s health, relationships, and sense of trust, and why changing the way we talk about fraud is an important part of supporting those who have been affected.
This forum is presented in partnership with AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, organizations that share a commitment to education, awareness, and informed civic engagement.
RSVPs Requested
Am I being scammed?
Assume the Worst.
Have you ever received a phone call, email, or text that just did not feel right? Maybe it sounded urgent. Maybe it sounded official. Maybe it asked for personal information or money.
Have you found yourself wondering: Is this a scam? Then this forum is for you!
Fraud and scams are evolving quickly, and they affect people of all ages and backgrounds. From phone and email scams to identity theft and financial fraud, these schemes are becoming harder to recognize and easier to fall victim to. This February, Sierra Nevada Forums will bring together trusted voices to help our community better understand how fraud works, how to spot warning signs, and what steps to take if something goes wrong.
Sierra Nevada Forums presents A Conversation About Fraud, moderated by Tabitha Mueller of The Nevada Independent. The conversation will focus on real-world examples, current trends, and practical guidance that attendees can use to protect themselves and those they care about.
Panelists include:
- Timothy Johnston, Better Business Bureau
- Mark Krueger, Office of the Attorney General
- Riley Franco, AARP
- Ken Furlong, Carson City Sheriff
Moderated by Tabitha Mueller, The Nevada Independent.
Together, they will discuss the most common scams currently being used, how fraudsters target individuals, what to do if you have been affected, and steps you can take to reduce your risk in the future.
The discussion will also explore the human impact of fraud, including how scams affect a victim’s health, relationships, and sense of trust, and why changing the way we talk about fraud is an important part of supporting those who have been affected.
This forum is presented in partnership with AAUW Capital Branch and the League of Women Voters of Northern Nevada, organizations that share a commitment to education, awareness, and informed civic engagement.
RSVPs Requested
| Event Details Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM) Location: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall Address: 511 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703 Admission: Free and open to the public Hosted by: Sierra Nevada Forums Media Sponsors: KUNR Public Radio, The Nevada Appeal, and In Plain Sight Marketing |
Meet our Panelists
 | Timothy Johnston Vice President Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Nevada and Utah Timothy Johnston has more than 25 years of experience with the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trust in the marketplace. In his role as vice president, Johnston serves as a key liaison to communities throughout northern Nevada, providing education and resources focused on consumer protection and fraud prevention. He works closely with businesses, community organizations, and local partners to help individuals recognize scams, make informed decisions, and protect themselves from fraud. |
 | Mark Krueger Chief Deputy Attorney General and Consumer Counsel Bureau of Consumer Protection, Nevada Attorney General’s Office Mark Krueger serves as Chief Deputy Attorney General and Consumer Counsel in the Nevada Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. His work focuses on complex consumer protection, antitrust, and multistate litigation. Krueger has played a key role in major legal actions on behalf of the state, including Nevada’s opioid litigation, which has recovered more than $1.2 billion to address the opioid epidemic. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he served as an assistant district attorney in Carson City and Lyon County. Krueger has extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation and has practiced before state and federal courts, including the Nevada Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. |
 | Riley Franco Director of Community Outreach AARP Nevada Riley Franco is the Director of Community Outreach for AARP Nevada, where she leads statewide efforts focused on fraud prevention, family caregiving, health care access, and brain health. Her work centers on equipping Nevadans with practical information to help them stay informed, independent, and protected. Franco holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is passionate about strengthening communities across her home state. |
 | Ken Furlong Carson City Sheriff Sheriff Kenneth T. Furlong is a lifelong Carson City resident and a graduate of Carson High School. He began his law enforcement career after entering the U.S. Air Force in 1978, where he earned degrees in Police Science, Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Administration. Following his retirement from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in 1998, Sheriff Furlong continued his service with the Nevada Department of Public Safety, working in Parole and Probation and the State Investigations Division. Elected Carson City Sheriff in 2003, Furlong has focused on aligning law enforcement services with the evolving needs of the community. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded beyond traditional policing to include specialized units supporting schools, traffic enforcement, mental health and crisis response, narcotics and gang enforcement, crisis negotiation, drone operations, and enhanced K-9 services. Sheriff Furlong emphasizes education, community engagement, and collaboration across all initiatives and is committed to building public safety through transparency, professionalism, and strong community partnerships. |
 | Moderator: Tabitha Mueller Capital Bureau Chief The Nevada Independent Tabitha Mueller is the Capital Bureau Chief for The Nevada Independent, where she leads political and legislative reporting. Her work has received numerous awards for excellence and impact, including Journalist of Merit from the Nevada Press Association. Tabitha focuses on the human stories behind policy and accountability. |
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