Scams and The Victim's Toolkit

Program Overview

May 27, 2026| 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Pacific |In person

Hosted by East Bay

Speaker   Lawrence Pon, EA, CPA, CFP, USTCP

Description

Scams & The Victim’s Toolkit: Navigating the Path to Deducting Scam Losses in 2026 offers tax professionals a comprehensive guide to securing relief for clients who have fallen prey to financial fraud. As scams grow increasingly sophisticated—ranging from "pig butchering" crypto schemes to "fraud analyst" imposter threats—understanding the shifting IRS landscape is critical. This session breaks down the vital distinction between non-deductible personal losses and deductible investment thefts, with a specific focus on how interest-bearing accounts and the "intent to safeguard" assets can unlock tax savings under IRC Section 165. Through a detailed review of Form 4684, recent IRS guidance, and real-world case studies involving seniors and disaster-related updates, attendees will gain the practical tools necessary to turn a client's financial tragedy into a strategic tax recovery.

  Learning Objectives
  1. Identify the critical criteria that distinguish non-deductible personal scams from deductible investment thefts under the 2026 IRS guidelines.
  2. Analyze how interest-bearing accounts and the "intent to safeguard" assets allow victims to qualify for theft loss deductions on Form 4684.
  3. Apply recent federal and state disaster loss updates to real-world case studies to maximize tax recovery for defrauded clients.
Learning Level    Intermediate


Prerequisites & Advance Preparation    None

Continuing Education

IRS:  1 hour Fed Tax Topics   |   CTEC:  1 hour Fed Tax Law  |   CA Bar:  1 hour Taxation Law  |  CPA CA:   1 hour Taxes (Self-Reporting)

  Pricing

Member: $45 | Non-Member: $55

In-Person Details

Dublin Public Library
200 Civic Plaza
Dublin, California 94568
(Registration at the door is permitted but meals will be limited to availability if not pre-registered)

Agenda

  • 6:30:  Networking & Check-In, Dinner Buffet to be offered.
  • 7:15 : Education Program Begins
  • 8:15:  Education Program Ends

Cancellation/Refund Policies

Please contact the host Chapter at eastbay@csea.org for refund/cancellation policies related to this event.
When
5/27/2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where
Dublin Public Library 200 Civic Plaza Dublin

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