LARSO News:
The community is invited to attend the Scam Awareness For Elders (S.A.F.E) Kickoff Event 1-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 at SALA Event Center. There will be a screening of Thelma, plus a special presentation from the FBI on scam prevention after the show! This event is FREE, reserve a seat today at https://sala.losalamos.com/events/s-a-f-e-kickoff-event/.
The S.A.F.E. initiative is a community response to the increasing prevalence of scams targeting the elderly population and the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The advisory group consists of a diverse range of members, including local business leaders, county employees, LAPD representatives, and Senior Center members.
By bringing together expertise from various sectors, the group aims to identify, address, and prevent scams effectively. The primary focus areas of the group revolve around increasing consumer education, providing specialized training, and identifying current scam trends.
In a significant boost to the group’s efforts, it received a $9,000 grant in October 2024 from the Non-Metro New Mexico Agency on Aging for scam prevention initiatives. This funding will enable the group to implement educational programs, training workshops, and outreach activities aimed at empowering older adults to recognize, avoid, and report scams.
In addition to the S.A.F.E. Kickoff Event, the AARP will be offering a workshop on Romance Scams 1-2 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center. Come learn about how scammers use the loneliness and isolation experienced by many older adults to con them out of money. Beginning March 11, the S.A.F.E. Book Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month to discuss the book “Scam Me If You Can”. Books are provided to participants. Please call 505-662-8920 to sign up for the Romance Scam Workshop or the S.A.F.E. Book Club.
By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of its members, the Older Adult Scam Prevention Advisory Group endeavors to create a safer environment for older adults by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from scams. This proactive approach reflects the community’s commitment to safeguarding its older population and promoting greater awareness and resilience against fraudulent activities.
The Los Alamos Senior Activity Centers offer classes, workshops, transportation, meals and much more for older adults in Los Alamos. The Betty Ehart and White Rock Centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Learn more at www.larso.org.
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