SCAM SLAM RETURNS TO LAKE CHARLES.

SAFE Net brings neighbors together for fraud education while helping local residents find their next step after a scam.

EVENT DETAILS REPORT A SCAM

Morgan Lemelle, SAFE Net Fraud & Investigations, speaking at a previous Scam Slam. Photo: SAFE Net.

DATE OCTOBER 7, 2026 FROM LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA INTERVIEW MORGAN LEMELLE / FRAUD & INVESTIGATIONS

LAKE CHARLES, La. — SAFE Net, the Scam Awareness & Fraud Education Network, will host its 2nd Annual Scam Slam on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The gathering supports the nonprofit’s fraud education and the personal help it provides to people who are unsure what to do after a scam.

WHO WE ARE.

SAFE Net is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Southwest Louisiana. Its team brings experience in cybersecurity, law enforcement, private investigation, finance, physical security, mental health, social work and victim advocacy. That mix matters when a scam crosses from a suspicious message into someone’s bank account, identity or peace of mind.

OUR MISSION

SAFE Net’s mission is to educate and empower the public to recognize, prevent, and respond to scams and fraud. Through awareness programs, advocacy for stronger protections, practical reporting guidance, and direct support for victims, SAFE Net works to reduce the impact of online fraud in our communities.

WHEN A SCAM HITS.

People may feel embarrassed, overwhelmed or afraid to tell family. Some have no one nearby to ask. SAFE Net volunteers help them slow the immediate harm, understand what information to save, and work through practical next steps. They guide residents as they review their own accounts, gather screenshots and records, strengthen sign-in protection, learn about credit freezes, and reach a bank, law enforcement or an official reporting channel when appropriate.

REAL HELP.

A FAKE SIGN-IN PAGE

After an older resident entered an email login on a fake page, scammers began changing account settings. SAFE Net volunteers sat with him and guided him as he reviewed sign-in activity, updated passwords, strengthened two-factor protection and checked recovery settings.

AN EXPOSED SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Another older resident shared his Social Security number with a caller posing as his internet provider. After he contacted his bank and Social Security, a SAFE Net volunteer helped him review his credit report and place a credit freeze, then explained the steps for the other major credit bureaus.

These community examples omit identifying details to protect the people who asked for help.

IN THE COMMUNITY.

SAFE Net also meets people before a crisis. Volunteers have shared fraud-prevention information at the Family & Youth Connections Count conference, a church seminar in Elton and the Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles. Topics have included fake traffic-ticket texts, gift-card requests, romance scams, check safety and payment-app awareness.

TUESDAY / OCTOBER 13

SCAM SLAM.

The evening at Library Riot brings together residents, investigators and community professionals for real-world fraud stories, conversation and practical education. Admission supports SAFE Net’s work across the region. Every paid admission includes one ticket in the event raffle; additional chances are available at the event.

BOURBON RAFFLE

Blanton’s Gold
Weller Full Proof

Prize recipients must be 21 or older. The separate Alphabet Scammer challenge has its own drawing for a SAFE Net gift basket with Blanton’s Single Barrel and a $40 gas card.

FOR KPLC AND OTHER NEWSROOMS