Merchant fraud is an unfortunate loss many business owners may encounter. Risky Business: Protecting Your Business from Theft and Fraud is a free workshop offered to teach small business owners how to be on guard for merchant theft and fraud and take the necessary steps to prevent it. The event will take place on March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, 215 N. 4th Avenue, Durant.

Topics for the workshop include preventative measures to protect businesses against shoplifters, how to spot shoplifters and stop them, tips on stopping credit card and check fraud, available resources to assist in theft/fraud prevention, and cyber-security strategies.

“This is a workshop businesses can’t afford to miss,” said Tara Hull, Coordinator, REI Women’s Business Center. “While a business of any size could experience theft or fraud, small businesses are often affected more. Any small loss can become a huge burden to business finances and assets.”

Presenters include David Cathey, Bryan County District Attorney’s Office; Chris Pierce, Computer Services of Durant; and Trish Brooks, Wal-Mart Supercenter Asset Protection Department.

Event partners are Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, Durant Main Street, OSU Extension, Choctaw Nation, OkSBDC, SE Center for Economic Development, Southern Workforce Board and REI Women’s Business Center, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To register, visit www.reiwbc.org. Also visit facebook.com/REIWBC for more information about REI Women’s Business Center.