Baseball fans learn fraud prevention at AARP Night in Lynchburg

Baseball fans attending AARP Night at a Lynchburg Hillcats minor league game on July 18 enjoyed the action and also learned about fraud and theft – but not the stolen bases kind.

About 20 AARP volunteers in their recognizable red shirts welcomed the first 200 fans at a third-base tent with a free meal, a Social Security game, and lots of information on how to protect yourself from scams.

“We are out here trying to help people be aware of fraud,” explained Brian Jacks, AARP associate state director. A large sign directly behind him stated that texting “FWN” to “50757” would bring you biweekly alerts from the AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, a national effort to track scams and help fraud victims.

Under the tent, Joyce Williams, Virginia AARP state president, and Suzanne Franklin, from the AARP executive council, along with other volunteers from the AARP Lynchburg Chapter gave out information on fraud prevention as the Hillcats took on the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

Patricia Bramlet, a new volunteer from the Lynchburg area, recently moved from another state, where she had been a lead investigator for a health insurance company for more than 20 years. That’s why she is passionate about the dangers of health fraud.

“I was at a crossroad in my life, new to the area and looking for somewhere to volunteer which lined up with my interests,” she said as she chatted with other volunteers.

AARP Virginia State Director Jim Dau and Jared Calfee, associate state director, also greeted fans along with volunteers from the Danville, Lynchburg and Roanoke areas.

Local baseball fan Patti Ames heard about the AARP free picnic through the Hillcats fan page promo and decided to come out to the game and get more information about the local AARP. She has been an AARP member for about five years, but hadn’t seen an opportunity to get more information in person.

“I wanted to see what it was all about. I work with older adults and am concerned about what health care options they have and what services they could be utilizing,” said Ames, who works in a ministry.

Ames and other volunteers played Social Security Plinko, which gave participants a chance to earn fun prizes after dropping a token onto a game board. Where the token landed determined the prize won.

Fans went home a little disappointed in the game’s outcome. The Hillcats lost to the Woodpeckers, 5-4.

AARP's Fraud Watch Network (aarp.org/money/scams) can help you spot and avoid scams. Sign up for free "watchdog alerts" or call our toll-free fraud helpline at 877-908-3380 if you or a loved one suspect you've been a victim.