Fraud and ID theft in Colorado were†the subjects of the April Chapter 1100 meeting program, presented by Mark Fetterhoff, the AARP ElderWatch program manager. He discussed†the†10 most common scams in Colorado in 2018 and fielded many questions from the membership about nefarious†operators who attempt to prey on individuals.† Mark also described the recent†changes within†AARP that involved the foundation and the publication of the ìSmart Tipsî and ìScam†Alertsî by ElderWatch.†Currently, Scam Alert†bulletins and Smart Tips for consumers can be viewed on†the Chapter 1100 website and on the AARP Fraud Watch Network. ElderWatch,†based in Denver, partners with Chapter 1100 to provide an annual FREE shredding†event in Black Forest.†This year, the†free shredding is June 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Black Forest†Lutheran†Church, 12455 Black Forest Road.†This†is the 11th year this service has been available to the†public. The shredding is an ongoing effort to reduce the exposure of citizens†to†possible scams or identification theft by providing a safe means of†destroying sensitive personal documents.†The professional shredding service is provided free as a service to the†community.†No reservations†are needed to†participate.†Simply bring your personal†documents for shredding and enjoy a free cup of coffee and a†pastry.†A voluntary donation of cash or some†non-perishable food items for†charity would be appreciated.†Fight Fraud ñ Shred Instead!††† † † † † ††After the outstanding potluck†lunch, President Ray Rozak discussed several upcoming chapter activities, including†the Black Forest Festival in August.†He also obtained membership approval to†donate†some specific future funds to Shield 616, a local nonprofit (501(c)3) charity†formed to get local police department personnel armor packages to protect them†from rifle threats.†The armor package†includes a ballistic helmet, plate carrier vest, rifle rated armor and a†trauma kit.† † † † † ††Recently, Chapter 1100 members†participated in a community service outreach project by†helping fabricate Easter baskets for†underprivileged children locally and in the San Louis Valley.††††† † † † † ††The Black Forest Chapter meets the†second Wednesday of the month.†Details†can be found on the chapter website at†https://aarpchapter1100blackforest.weebly.com/index.html†or by contacting Ray at†719-495-6767†or Stan at 719-596-6787.† Upcoming chapter activities†include a May 3 board meeting at a local IHOP.†The usual membership meeting is†at noon May 8, and the monthly senior†social is May 22. The chapter meeting†and senior social are both held at the Black Forest Lutheran Church.†All are welcome.††
