Fraud prevention
Help protect against identify theft by safely disposing of personal documents you no longer need at one of two AARP Iowa shredding events this month.

The free shredding service will be available in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, April 22, and in Des Moines on Saturday, April 29.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network recommends shredding bank statements, pay stubs, canceled checks, credit card statements, investment records and other papers that contain personal information.

AARP Iowa also offers Fraud Watch virtual programs on the third Friday of every month, at 10 a.m. The sessions focus on topics such as romance scams and tax-related cons.

For locations and times of the shredding events or to sign up for the virtual Fraud Watch sessions, go to aarp.org/IAevents.

Brain health
AARP Missouri and the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Missouri Chapter are offering a virtual, four-part education series for individuals who want to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Topics of the one-hour presentations will include:

▶︎ Money management (May).

▶︎ Traveling with someone who has dementia (July).

▶︎ Ten warning signs of dementia (September).

▶︎ Managing caregiver stress (November).

For exact dates and times, and to register for one or more of the free sessions, go to aarp.org/brainmatters.

AARP members and their guests will be able to sign up to win an Amazon Echo Show smart device for the home.

Learn about caregiver resources and other available support at alz.org/greatermissouri.

Historic tour
Explore Hoosier history next month with a guided tour of the Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne.

The more than 120-year-old building is a registered National Historic Landmark. It’s constructed of Bedford, Indiana, limestone, with granite columns and white Carrara marble staircases, balustrades and walls.

Guests will learn about the building’s history and the community leaders behind preservation efforts, which took eight years and nearly $9 million. The guide will discuss the techniques and processes used in restoration, as well as the artwork throughout the building.

The tour will include information about livable communities, walkability and AARP Indiana’s efforts to improve the quality of life for Fort Wayne residents. Go to aarp.org/in and click on Events for details.

Pals and pints
After three-plus years of hosting virtual events amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AARP Minnesota is reestablishing some of its in-person gatherings—including its popular series at breweries.

The next AARP On Tap event is Monday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Ave. N., in Minneapolis. Members and nonmembers are asked to bring at least one nonperishable food item to support a local food pantry. In return, they will receive a free beer, along with a small group tour of the brewery.

AARP Minnesota plans to hold On Tap events at new brewery locations in 2023. To register for the May event or find out about future get-togethers, visit aarp.org/MNevents.

Scam spotting
AARP has trained fraud fighter volunteers to offer presentations on how Kentuckians can protect themselves by identifying and avoiding widespread fraud schemes.

In 2022, consumers in Kentucky filed 33,340 fraud and other reports, with fraud losses totaling $48 million, according to the latest data released by the Federal Trade Commission in February.

AARP Kentucky speakers offer resources and up-to-date information on trending scams in the state. They can give fraud talks virtually or in person for community groups, churches, libraries or other organizations.

To request a fraud presentation, email kyaarp@aarp.org or call 866-295-7275. To report a suspected scam, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Sign up for Watchdog Alerts at aarp.org/fraud. —David Lewellen