Watch Your Step by Jim Breen Issues/Opinions Editor

The Tech Support scam has infiltrated Leisure World, costing a resident nearly $200 in the process.

Doris Perez of Mutual 15 was scammed out of $191 last week by AAG Technology Support after a message appeared on her computer screen that turned it blue. It was a warning that her computer was about to crash.

Perez was given a code number and told to call a phone number to have it fixed. The man, identified as Ed Smith, answered and said he was calling from India.

He said he could eliminate the blue screen at a cost of $191 and requested a credit card number. Perez said she preferred to pay by check.

So a blank check appeared on her screen that she filled out, but the man said “it didn’t take.” So she gave him her credit card number and soon the blue screen disappeared. But now her computer was infected with a virus that made it inoperable.

She called the man back to report there new problem but the scammer wanted another $191 to fix it.

But this time, Perez told him it was a scam and hung up. She went to the credit union to change her account number but was told it wasn’t necessary, they would keep a close eye on her account for any charges that might throw up a red flag.

She also called the Seal Beach Police Dept., and an officer was dispatched to take a report.

Here are a few tips for residents who may be contacted by high-tech wannabes:

• Do not give control of your computer to a third party.

• Do not rely on caller ID alone to authenticate a caller. Criminals spoof caller ID numbers. They may appear to be calling from a legitimate company or a local number, when they’re not even in the same country as their targeted victims.

• Never provide credit card numbers or financial information to strangers claiming to be from tech support.

• Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, by calling 888-382-1222 then report illegal sales calls.

Have you been the victim of a scam attempt? Send the details to jimb_news@lwsbs.com or call 431-6586, ext. 387, Wednesday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Legion Auxiliary

The American Legion Auxiliary continues to assist newly-returning veterans from their deployments, those trying to get an education and homeless vets.

Recently, many shareholders furnished items so two returning vets could start their journey toward establishing themselves into the community, school and jobs.

The obstacles seemed insurmountable for them, but with everyone’s help, they have moved into an apartment, are employed and will soon begin college.

They expressed their sincere gratitude to all who helped.

Patriots and Paws will now pick up unwanted household items at residents’ doors.

All items must be clean and in working order. To contact the club to schedule a pickup, call (714) 323-7229.

Investment Forum

The Leisure World Investment Forum will meet at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, July 12, in Clubhouse 3, Room 6.   

Speaker Larry T. Pino, financial advisor with LPL Financial, will take a close look at the market’s performance at the halfway point of 2016.

Particular focus will be on the European Union (EU) referendum. The economic and political questions raised by that will not be answered for years.

However, the questions for investors are how will this effect the markets?

Pino may have some answers.   

For over 26 years, the Forum has been committed to informing and educating LW residents by presenting monthly discussions on key financial topics and current economic events.

Presentations are sponsored by Basdakis Wealth Management Group, an independent office of LPL Financial.

For more information, call (949) 502-8525.

Woman’s Club

The Leisure World Woman’s Club will hold a card party and luncheon on Friday, July 15, in Clubhouse 2. Lunch, priced at $10 per person, will be served at noon.

Lunch tickets will be sold by table number. One person can pick up tickets for a table of four for $40. Everyone should be seated by 11:45 a.m.

Table reservations or cancellations should be made by calling Judy Belladella at 598-1784 before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12. Table reservations not cancelled must be paid for.

Members with a party of four who want to set up a new table should also call Belladella.

At tables where substitute players for bridge or canasta are needed, call Joyce Bizzell at 596-0148 for their names .

Standing club rules require regularly attending card players to be current members of the Woman’s Club. Membership cards should be taken to all these events.

Members may pay their 2016-2017 dues ($20) at the card party. Or, they can mail a check to Penny Wright, 13902 Thunderbird Dr., 8-C, Seal Beach, CA, 90740.

Checks should be made out to Leisure World Woman’s Club. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and last year’s membership card with the check.

The club’s Happy Days Bash will be held Saturday, Sept. 17. The event is the club’s major fund raiser of the year.

Everyone is invited to an afternoon of fun, lunch and entertainment. A band will play music of the 50s and 60s, so those who attend are encouraged to wear saddle shoes, poodle skirts, or rolled up jeans.

Tickets, $25, go on sale at the card party. They will be sold individually, or for tables of eight. Le Ann Moore is in charge of ticket sales.

To order them by phone, call 594-8704, or send a check to 1541 Interlachen Rd., 259-H. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Senior Patriot for Peace

An overview of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and what two local organizations are doing to overcome poverty and its effects will be presented at the 1 p.m. meeting of Senior Patriots for Peace on July 8 in Clubhouse 4

John Straw and Cat Quinn from Concern America, an international development and refugee aid organization, will be two of the three guest speakers.

They will discuss the work they do with economically impoverished communities around the world to develop long-term solutions to poverty.

They will be followed by Alison Crosby from the Illumination Foundation. She will discuss the services her foundation provides to the most vulnerable homeless clients in Orange County to break or prevent the cycle of homelessness.

The program will include folk music and light refreshments.

There will be a discussion period after the presentations.

There is no cost to attend, and all are invited.

Non-residents who want to attend should call Nancy Goldstein at 896-8604 or Lucille Martin at 430-1047.