FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis presents a talk on scam prevention Jan. 29 at SALA. Courtesy/LARSO
By Kiah McConnell
Marketing & Program Coordinator
LARSO
Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) and community partners achieved an outstanding turnout at the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E) Kickoff, with 85 attendees gathering Jan. 29 at SALA Event Center.
The event showcased the film “Thelma”, followed by a scam prevention presentation by Special Agent Ryan Davis from the Albuquerque FBI. The full presentation and Agent Davis’ informative slides are available to the public.
The SAFE Kickoff marked the start of the Scam Awareness series scheduled for spring 2025. To sign up for these programs or learn more, call 505.662.8920.
From 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, a representative from AARP will present on Romance Scams at Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center. This workshop explores why fraudsters target seniors, the psychological tactics scammers use, and the red flags that signal a potential scam. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge on how to recognize deceptive schemes, safeguard your personal and financial information, and stay alert in an increasingly digital world. A special focus will be given to romance scams, which exploit emotions and trust to manipulate victims. We will discuss how these scams operate, key warning signs, and immediate steps to take if targeted.
A second workshop, Introduction to AI, will be offered 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center by the Los Alamos Public Library librarians. If curious about AI, attend this presentation. This session for beginners is designed to demystify generative AI, breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms. Participants will gain valuable insights into how AI is reshaping various aspects of people’s lives. With scammers increasingly using AI to con people, this workshop provides important context to understanding the current landscape of scams.
The S.A.F.E. Book Club offers another opportunity for scam education. Participants will read books about scam prevention and join together for an engaging discussion. The Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Activity Centers will alternate hosting the S.A.F.E. Book Club throughout 2025. The first book the group will read is Scam Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale. Participants will receive a free copy of the book. The first three dates for the book club are 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, (Betty Ehart), 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, (White Rock), and 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 (Betty Ehart).
The Scam Awareness For Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative is a community response to the increasing prevalence of scams targeting older adults and the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The initiative is composed of members from local businesses and organizations, including LARSO, Los Alamos Visiting Nurses Service, Enterprise Bank & Trust, and the Los Alamos Public Library. These events are made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging. The programs are free and open to anyone who has an interest in scam prevention.
The S.A.F.E. initiative is comprised of local nonprofits, businesses and community members. From left, Bernice Williams, Allan Marcus, Jacci Gruninger, Carmen Kramer, Ryan Davis, Kiah McConnell and Rick Reynolds. Courtesy/LARSO