Love in the Age of Scammers: Inside the Romance Scam Playbook Panel Discussion
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Love in the Age of Scammers: Inside the Romance Scam Playbook Panel Discussion
Romance scams are on the rise, and today's fraudsters are more sophisticated than ever. They know how to build trust, create emotional connections, and manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information.
This program takes you inside the romance scam playbook—exploring how these scams work, why they are so effective, and the warning signs everyone should know. You'll learn how scammers use dating sites, social media, text messages, and even seemingly innocent online conversations to gain trust. Most importantly, you'll leave with practical strategies to recognize red flags, protect yourself, and stay one step ahead of scammers.
This event is open to the public. The registration fee is $10, payable at the door or in advance.
We are meeting at Flying Pig Improv, 2320 E. Douglas Ave., from 6 to 8 PM.
Sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021 and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
Panelists:
Mary Winter is an entrepreneur, author, and educator who is fascinated by the ways technology shapes our lives—and the stories that emerge from it. She is the co-author of The Scammer Who Loved Me, a book that explores the deeply personal impact of romance scams.
Through her writing and educational work, Mary is passionate about helping people better understand the ways technology can connect, influence, and sometimes deceive us. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, Gary.
Samantha Hendrix is a fraud prevention professional and financial educator with a passion for fighting financial crime and helping people recognize and avoid scams. She joined the financial sector in 2019 and currently serves as Fraud & BSA Manager at Meritrust Credit Union, where she leads a team dedicated to protecting members and combating financial fraud.
Samantha is also a member of Sedgwick County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (F.A.S.T.), which works to prevent financial abuse of older adults and vulnerable individuals. She serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for ICT SOS, a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking, and volunteers with the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
A passionate community educator, Samantha regularly shares information about scams and financial crime to help others protect themselves. She was featured in the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead program in May 2026.
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy, with a focus on Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Sharene Oldham knows the devastating impact of a scam firsthand—because she has been a victim herself. Her experience inspired her to become an advocate for financial literacy and scam awareness and led her to co-author The Scammer Who Loved Me.
With 45 years of experience as a financial accountant and auditor, Sharene brings a unique perspective to the conversation about financial fraud and exploitation. Today, she works as a Financial Coach and Independent Insurance Agent with World Financial Group/Transamerica, helping people better understand their finances and protect their financial future.
A mother of three adult children and grandmother of two grandsons, Sharene is passionate about helping others recognize the warning signs, trust their instincts, and avoid becoming the next victim.
Moderator:
Jill D. Miller is an entrepreneur, educator, author, and community leader who has spent her career helping people navigate change and make informed decisions. Through her consulting company, Creative Solutions, she has worked with entrepreneurs and organizations since 1998, and she currently serves as Program Director of the Empowered Senior Seminar Series.
Jill is also an adjunct professor at Wichita State University, Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women, and founder of the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance. A frequent speaker, facilitator, and event host, she is passionate about fostering meaningful conversations that educate, empower, and connect the community.
Our Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor, Optometric Billing Solutions! Located at 10501 W. Hampton Lakes in Maize, OBS is a woman-owned, nationally recognized insurance billing company for optometrist clinics in 43 states. It was named by the Wichita Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Wichita, based on confidential employee job satisfaction surveys.
If you’re ready for a career in an employee-centered company with flexible hours and options to work at home after training, OBS wants to talk to you! Go to https://bit.ly/OBSBadass for more information.
Sending a resume to [email protected] and letting OBS know the applicant is referred by the Badass network automatically guarantees them an interview. Make sure they drop your name when they apply! OBS is rewarding your referral with $150 cash each time the person you sent gets hired!
Thank you to Flying Pig Improv for sponsoring our location!
Reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/RomanceScamPanel
Romance scams are on the rise, and today's fraudsters are more sophisticated than ever. They know how to build trust, create emotional connections, and manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information.
This program takes you inside the romance scam playbook—exploring how these scams work, why they are so effective, and the warning signs everyone should know. You'll learn how scammers use dating sites, social media, text messages, and even seemingly innocent online conversations to gain trust. Most importantly, you'll leave with practical strategies to recognize red flags, protect yourself, and stay one step ahead of scammers.
This event is open to the public. The registration fee is $10, payable at the door or in advance.
We are meeting at Flying Pig Improv, 2320 E. Douglas Ave., from 6 to 8 PM.
Sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021 and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
Panelists:
Mary Winter is an entrepreneur, author, and educator who is fascinated by the ways technology shapes our lives—and the stories that emerge from it. She is the co-author of The Scammer Who Loved Me, a book that explores the deeply personal impact of romance scams.
Through her writing and educational work, Mary is passionate about helping people better understand the ways technology can connect, influence, and sometimes deceive us. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, Gary.
Samantha Hendrix is a fraud prevention professional and financial educator with a passion for fighting financial crime and helping people recognize and avoid scams. She joined the financial sector in 2019 and currently serves as Fraud & BSA Manager at Meritrust Credit Union, where she leads a team dedicated to protecting members and combating financial fraud.
Samantha is also a member of Sedgwick County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (F.A.S.T.), which works to prevent financial abuse of older adults and vulnerable individuals. She serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for ICT SOS, a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking, and volunteers with the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
A passionate community educator, Samantha regularly shares information about scams and financial crime to help others protect themselves. She was featured in the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead program in May 2026.
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy, with a focus on Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Sharene Oldham knows the devastating impact of a scam firsthand—because she has been a victim herself. Her experience inspired her to become an advocate for financial literacy and scam awareness and led her to co-author The Scammer Who Loved Me.
With 45 years of experience as a financial accountant and auditor, Sharene brings a unique perspective to the conversation about financial fraud and exploitation. Today, she works as a Financial Coach and Independent Insurance Agent with World Financial Group/Transamerica, helping people better understand their finances and protect their financial future.
A mother of three adult children and grandmother of two grandsons, Sharene is passionate about helping others recognize the warning signs, trust their instincts, and avoid becoming the next victim.
Moderator:
Jill D. Miller is an entrepreneur, educator, author, and community leader who has spent her career helping people navigate change and make informed decisions. Through her consulting company, Creative Solutions, she has worked with entrepreneurs and organizations since 1998, and she currently serves as Program Director of the Empowered Senior Seminar Series.
Jill is also an adjunct professor at Wichita State University, Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women, and founder of the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance. A frequent speaker, facilitator, and event host, she is passionate about fostering meaningful conversations that educate, empower, and connect the community.
Our Sponsor:
Thank you to our sponsor, Optometric Billing Solutions! Located at 10501 W. Hampton Lakes in Maize, OBS is a woman-owned, nationally recognized insurance billing company for optometrist clinics in 43 states. It was named by the Wichita Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Wichita, based on confidential employee job satisfaction surveys.
If you’re ready for a career in an employee-centered company with flexible hours and options to work at home after training, OBS wants to talk to you! Go to https://bit.ly/OBSBadass for more information.
Sending a resume to [email protected] and letting OBS know the applicant is referred by the Badass network automatically guarantees them an interview. Make sure they drop your name when they apply! OBS is rewarding your referral with $150 cash each time the person you sent gets hired!
Thank you to Flying Pig Improv for sponsoring our location!
Reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/RomanceScamPanel
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Where is it happening?
1999 N. Amidon, Suite 370, Wichita, KS, United States, Kansas 67203
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherFinishing School for Modern Women
