AARP Scam Jam to Feature Free Document Shredding, Tips on Preventing Fraud

AARP New Mexico will be conducting a Scam Jam this weekend designed to help you protect yourself from identity theft, fraud and scams, all while getting your sensitive financial documents shredded for free. This family oriented event will be Saturday, May 30 ^th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque.

“We want to provide people with as much information as possible so they can protect themselves before fraud occurs,” said Shanna Lapsley, AARP New Mexico Associate State Director of Multi-Cultural Outreach. “Scammers prey on people’s emotions and uncertainty so what often happens is people give up their personal information before they even process what is happening.”

“By being prepared ahead of time, you’ll know what clues to look for and how to deal with a fraudulent e-mail or aggressive or threatening phone call,” Lapsley said.

“Fraud can occur to anyone at any age so we’re partnering with Cottonwood Mall to make this an event for the whole family,” Lapsley said.

The AARP Scam Jam is part of Cottonwood Mall’s Annual Public Safety event so the Simon Kidgits Club will be offering activities for the kids and local public safety agencies will be on site discussing what they do.

Attendees can stop by the AARP booth to learn tips on how to spot a scammer, deal with suspicious emails and telephone calls, and keep your personal and financial information safe. AARP volunteers can even discuss what to do if your identity has been stolen. The Albuquerque Police Department will be conducting VIN etching so you can protect your vehicle too!

For those who can’t attend the Scam Jam, learn more about preventing identity theft and spotting scams, as well as what scams are trending in the state at www.fraudwatchnetwork.com

For more information call the AARP New Mexico State Office at 1-866-389-5636 or e-mail Shanna at slapsley@aarp.org