CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Financial fraud is costing both individuals and businesses millions of dollars each year — and experts say the schemes are becoming harder to predict.

From paper checks stolen out of mailboxes to text message scams that look legitimate, the ways criminals are targeting accounts are constantly changing. That’s why local law enforcement, postal inspectors, and banking leaders are coming together for a Fraud and Finance Forum this week in Cedar Rapids.

Organizers say the event is meant to educate the public on what’s happening right now and what people can do to protect themselves.

“Businesses have really seen an increase in losses from fraud, which is what really prompted the event,” said Bethany Gorsch with Hills Bank.

Experts say one of the best defenses i

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