Where were YOU when the scammers came calling? Before anyone starts rounding up suspects, Senior Education Ministries, Inc. invites area seniors, veterans, caregivers, and community members to come cement their alibis at a special mystery-themed Dine with a Doc® on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Senior Education Ministries, 4310 S. 11th St., Terre Haute.
Seats are limited! RSVP as soon as possible by calling 812-917-4970. The program and meal are free.
With a body outline on the floor, crime scene tape, and a “Prime Suspects” mystery board, the scene will be set for a little sleuthing, plenty of fellowship, and information that could help protect you or someone you love. The crime scene is pretend. The threat of scams is very real.
Our featured “person of interest” is Cassandra “Cassie” Dodge, PhD, a Doctor of Criminology, who will help guests recognize the tactics criminals use to target older adults. Topics will include financial exploitation, power of attorney abuse, grandparent scams, lottery scams, romance scams, and artificial intelligence and voice impersonation scams.
- A caller may sound like a frightened grandchild.
- An online acquaintance may seem like the answer to loneliness.
- A supposed prize may promise financial relief.
Dr. Dodge will help attendees look beyond the story, recognize warning signs, and know where to turn for help. It can happen to anyone. The blame belongs to the person committing the crime, not the person deceived.
Dr. Dodge will also share reporting resources, including Adult Protective Services, the National Elder Fraud Hotline, and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Learning how to report suspected crimes is an important step toward protecting others and helping authorities hold offenders accountable.
Clinton Gardens: Serving Up Lunch and Supporting Our Seniors
The complimentary meal is generously sponsored by Clinton Gardens, whose support helps Senior Education Ministries bring older adults together for education, encouragement, and meaningful personal connection.
Supporting this program is a practical way to care for seniors beyond the walls of a care community. A shared meal offers an opportunity to build friendships, ask questions, and receive information that can help protect a person’s dignity, independence, and well-being.
Clinton Gardens also serves as the exclusive sponsor of refreshments for Senior Education Ministries’ monthly Mingle with the Mayor, helping create a welcoming setting where residents can connect, share concerns, and participate in conversations about their community.
Senior Education Ministries is grateful for Clinton Gardens’ continuing investment in opportunities that help seniors feel included, informed, and valued. Their generosity helps make room at the table and keeps the conversation going.
New Faces Wanted: No Detective Experience Necessary!
Never attended Dine with a Doc®? Consider this your invitation to join the investigation! Bring a friend, bring your questions, and come ready for lunch, laughter, and learning. First-time guests are especially welcome.
This will be Terre Haute’s final Dine with a Doc® program of 2026 before programs resume in February 2027.
Come cement your alibi. Leave better prepared to spot a scam.
Don’t leave your seat to chance. Call 812-917-4970 today!
If You or a Loved One May Be a Victim
You do not have to face suspected fraud, exploitation, or abuse alone. Do not let embarrassment keep you from asking for help.
- Immediate danger or an emergency: Call 911. For other suspected crimes, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office.
- Indiana Adult Protective Services: Call 800-992-6978 to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an endangered adult.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: Call 833-372-8311 for assistance with financial fraud involving adults age 60 or older. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: Report suspected internet-related scams and cybercrime at www.ic3.gov. Reports help authorities identify patterns and support investigations.
You deserve support, safety, and to be heard. You do not need to wait until the October 28 program to seek help.
About Cassandra “Cassie” Dodge, PhD
Cassandra Dodge, PhD, is an assistant professor of Cybercriminology and Security Studies at Indiana State University and director of the Vigo County High-Tech Crime Unit, hosted on the university’s campus. Her work includes cybercrime, digital forensics, and policing. Through her teaching and supervision of student investigators, she helps connect classroom learning with investigative work that supports law enforcement throughout the region.
About Clinton Gardens
Clinton Gardens, part of American Senior Communities, is located at 375 S. 11th St. in Clinton, Indiana. The community offers short-term rehabilitation, memory care, long-term care, respite care, and hospice care. Its team works with older adults and their families to help them navigate care needs and find support and peace of mind. For information, call 765-832-2491 or visit Clinton Gardens online.
About Senior Education Ministries, Inc.
Founded in 2009, Senior Education Ministries, Inc. brings seniors, veterans, and community partners together through free educational programs that encourage fellowship, learning, and connection. Its Dine with a Doc® programs serve communities across Indiana and Illinois, pairing educational presentations with complimentary meals and opportunities to ask questions.
Rooted in faith and a commitment to honoring older adults, the ministry recognizes that nourishment includes both a meal and someone with whom to share it. For program information, call 812-917-4970 or visit their website.
