Brian Watson
Community Outreach Specialist
R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly
Website: https://www.roseadvocacy.org/
Session Information
Title: Senior Scams: Fraud Awareness & Prevention
Day: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Time: 12:50 pm
Brian graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a degree in Business/Economics and is licensed as a CPA in California (although currently inactive). He spent 28 years in federal law enforcement investigating financial crimes as a Special Agent with IRS Criminal Investigation. Brian spent much of that time as a Public Information Officer warning the public about financial-related scams. During his time with the Internal Revenue Service, Brian did over 250 TV and radio interviews and over 100 public presentations. He earned numerous awards including PIO of the Year, Voice of CI award, and a Chief’s Excellence award.
Brian retired in 2023 and is now a Community Outreach Specialist for the non-profit R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, an Arizona non-profit focused on preventing older adults from being victimized in financial scams. In addition to collaborating with the media, law enforcement agencies, businesses, and other non-profits, he writes articles for numerous print publications including a monthly column in the Green Valley News titled “Fraud Fighter.” Brian is also an adjunct instructor at the University of Arizona where he teaches a course titled White Collar Crime.
Brian is on the board of directors for the 9/11 Tower Challenge Foundation in Tucson, a volunteer for the 100 Club of Arizona, and an elder at his church. Brian has been married for 26 years and has two kids in college. He and his family have lived in Arizona for 20 years. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, and exploring the State of Arizona.