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ARCHDALE, N.C.-- Members of a North Carolina seniors group met with the Department of Justice and area law enforcement agencies Wednesday, arming themselves with the tools to help protect against fraud and identity theft.

Seventy-two year-old Joe Callicutt is not new to scams. A few years back his own aunt became a victim, cashing in a life insurance policy and losing everything she had.

"She never really knew what hit her. She lost her house, cooking utensils, furniture, everything she had except her clothing," he said.

But the Callicutts refuse to have the same thing happen again, which is why they're joining other seniors in Randolph County, discussing ways to avoid becoming a victim.

"I have talked to seniors who have been scammed, and they'll come to these meetings and say 'if I only knew that.' So, it is important and hopefully we are saving seniors from being scammed and we're protecting their resources," said Candie Rudzinski, Executive Director of Randolph County Senior Adults Associates.

From international lotteries to phony bank e-mails and local law enforcement posers, members of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together are learning about the newest ways of manipulation.

"You have people calling individuals in Wake County and other areas hit by tornadoes and severe weather, saying 'we're a charitable organization and we're willing to help victims will you please donate.' The one thing I tell people all the time with charities, you want to do your research before you give," said Brandon Madden of the North Carolina Department of Justice, while addressing the crowd.

According to law enforcement officials, identity theft is not only one of the fastest growing crimes here in North Carolina but around the world, which is why they say it's so important to arm yourself with the knowledge to help avoid becoming a victim.

"People that are not knowledgeable about it can really get suckered in and lose all of their retirement money, and it would be so sad for somebody to not have the money to enjoy life after they're retired, after they've worked so hard after so many years," said Peggy Cox of Asheboro.

The Attorney General's office says it's important to protect your cards, never giving out your social security, credit or bank account numbers through phone or email.

They also suggest being wary of door-to-door contractors offering repairs or taking up money as well as get rich schemes that sound too good to be true.

And finally, the AG office suggests never paying money up front in order to get a loan, collect a prize or to repair your credit. They say it is illegal to require such a payment.

For more information on fraud, scams and consumer tips, click here.