Director’s Corner: March 2025

The Reality of Scams & Our Commitment to Awareness

We often like to think that scams can’t happen to us—that they’re something that happens to “other people.” However, the truth is that anyone can fall victim to a scam, no matter how vigilant they believe themselves to be. I want to share a personal experience that drove this point home for me.

Not too long ago, I received a phone call from someone claiming to be a detective from the Los Alamos Police Department. The strange thing? They used my married name, a name which I hadn’t used in over ten years. Initially, I brushed it off, but curiosity got the better of me, and I called the number back. To my dismay, no one answered.

Feeling uneasy, I decided to take action and called the police department to verify the detective’s identity. Yes, he existed, but unfortunately, he wasn’t there that day. Just when I thought it was over, the caller contacted me again the next day. I pressed for more information this time, and the caller assured me they were indeed at the police station. I expressed my intent to go there in person, which prompted them to give me a name: Oliver Morris.

Here’s the kicker—I knew Oliver Morris had retired just a few months prior. Moments like these open my eyes to the alarming reality of the situation. I quickly realized I was tangled in a web of deceit. Instead of engaging further, I decided to go to the station and inform them about the scam.

The officers were incredibly helpful and took my report seriously. In fact, they even published an article in the Daily Post to warn others about the scam, a proactive step that helps protect our community.

This experience reinforced the importance of vigilance and knowledge about such scams. I am so grateful for the grant we received this year to create our S.A.F.E (Scam Awareness for Elders) programming. We aim to empower everyone, especially our elders, with the tools and information to recognize and avoid scams.

I urge you to take advantage of the resources we offer. Awareness is our most powerful weapon against these fraudulent schemes. Let’s work together to ensure that none of us fall prey to scammers. Stay safe, and remember: if something feels off, trust your instincts and seek information. We are all in this together.