Albuquerque City Councilor Stephanie Telles Empowers Seniors Against Financial Fraud at AARP "Scam Jam"

District 1 City Councilor Stephanie Telles, a Certified Fraud Examiner, joined fraud examiners and investigators at the CNM Workforce Training Center for the AARP's "Scam Jam" today, equipping local seniors with professional-grade tools to combat the rising tide of electronic fraud. The free, indoor community event held on Thursday, October 9, brought together local exhibitors and provided comprehensive scam-recognition resources to attendees from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

During her featured presentation, titled "Maria lost $23,400.00 to a Scammer in Just Six Days," Councilor Telles transformed the audience into active fraud investigators. Rather than delivering a standard lecture, Telles guided attendees through a hands-on examination of simulated evidence to help them spot the subtle red flags of financial exploitation. Drawing directly on her expertise as a Certified Fraud Examiner, she taught participants how to adapt corporate "internal controls"—the rigorous systems businesses use to prevent embezzlement and theft—into practical, easy-to-implement safeguards for their own households.

"Financial fraud is devastating, but it is also preventable when you know what to look for," said Councilor Telles. "My goal today wasn't just to warn people about the dangers, but to give them the exact same tools that Certified Fraud Examiners use every day. When we empower our seniors to spot the red flags and build their own internal controls, we turn potential victims into their own best line of defense."

Following the interactive investigation, Councilor Telles engaged the audience in a critical discussion regarding the recently enacted O-26-49, known as the “Virtual Currency Ordinance.” Councilor Telles briefed participants on how the legislation officially bans cryptocurrency ATMs and cashier-assisted crypto transactions within Albuquerque city limits, cutting off a primary, untraceable avenue that scammers frequently use to siphon funds from vulnerable residents - including seniors.

By combining hands-on fraud-prevention training with essential updates on municipal protections, the "Scam Jam" highlighted Albuquerque’s aggressive, multifaceted approach to defending its older populations from financial abuse. Attendees departed the event with both a stronger personal defense strategy and a deeper understanding of the City's proactive legislative measures against crypto-enabled scams, fraud, and theft.