In Clear Terms with AARP California™

Staying Safe While Traveling: Scam Prevention Tips Every Traveler Should Know

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with fraud prevention specialist and former District Attorney investigator Jason Collom to talk about how travelers can stay safe and avoid scams before and during their trips. Drawing from more than 30 years in law enforcement and decades of personal travel experience, Jason shares practical ways to protect your money, personal information, and belongings whether you’re planning a vacation overseas, taking public transportation, or traveling solo. From fake rental listings and hotel phone scams to public Wi-Fi risks and stolen phones, the conversation covers real situations travelers face every day. Jason also explains why traveling light can improve safety, how using a money belt can reduce risk, and what steps people should take before leaving home to better protect important documents and financial accounts.  Whether you’re preparing for an international getaway or just looking to become a more confident traveler, this episode offers useful advice to help you stay alert and enjoy the journey. Follow Us * Twitter @AARPCA * Facebook @aarpcalifornia * Instagram @aarpca Additional Resources: * Learn more about fraud prevention and scam alerts from AARP: aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork [http://aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork] * Learn more about AARP California and ways to get involved: aarp.org/ca [http://aarp.org/ca] Presented by AARP California www.AARP.org/CA [http://www.aarp.org/CA] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the Scam: Healing, Help, and Taking Back Control

What happens after a scam goes beyond financial loss. It often leaves people dealing with emotions they are not prepared to face or talk about. In this episode, Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Randi Izdonavicius, Program Manager for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Victim Support, about the real impact scams have on victims. Randi shares what she hears from callers, from shock and embarrassment to anger and hesitation to speak up. Many people keep their experience to themselves, which only adds to the weight. The conversation also explores how scammers use tactics like urgency, authority, and secrecy to gain trust and keep control. They walk through what to do in the immediate aftermath, including ending contact, protecting financial accounts, and reporting the incident. Randi outlines the actions that can help limit further damage and create a path forward. Whether you have gone through a scam or want to be ready if it happens, this episode offers practical steps and a clearer way to move ahead. Follow Us * Twitter @AARPCA * Facebook @aarpcalifornia * Instagram @aarpca Additional Resources: * AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360 * Learn more about recovery steps for identity theft: identitytheft.gov [http://identitytheft.gov] * Explore more resources: www.aarp.org/ca [http://www.aarp.org/ca] Presented by AARP California www.AARP.org/CA [http://www.aarp.org/CA] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reconnecting with AARP California - Building a California for All Ages

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon welcomes Michael Murray, the new State Director for AARP California. Michael shares his journey with AARP and explains how the organization works to support the more than 3.2 million AARP members in California. The conversation explores what AARP really does, clears up common myths about the organization, and highlights the issues shaping the future of aging in California. From caregiving and financial security to housing, transportation, and livable communities, Michael discusses the priorities guiding AARP’s work across the state and what Californians can expect in 2026. He also shares how individuals can volunteer, stay informed, and help build communities that work for people of all ages. Whether you’re already involved with AARP or simply curious about the organization’s impact, this episode offers a clear look at how advocacy, policy, and community engagement come together to support Californians throughout every stage of life. Follow Us * Twitter @AARPCA * Facebook @aarpcalifornia * Instagram @aarpca Additional Resources: * Learn more about AARP California: AARP California [https://states.aarp.org/california/] * Explore AARP policy priorities: The Policy Book Introduction | AARP Policy Book [https://policybook.aarp.org/] * Learn about California’s aging strategy: Master Plan for Aging [https://mpa.aging.ca.gov/] * Listen to the original episode introducing AARP California: Welcome to In Clear Terms with AARP California | In Clear Terms with AARP California™ [https://in-clear-terms.simplecast.com/episodes/welcome-to-in-clear-terms-with-aarp-california] Presented by AARP California www.AARP.org/CA [http://www.aarp.org/CA] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Outsmarting Frauds and Scams

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Lester Kwok, a retired FBI Special Agent with over 20 years of experience investigating fraud. Lester brings deep insights from his time working financial crimes and leading elder fraud initiatives, both within the FBI and now in the private sector. They break down the evolving tactics scammers use to target older adults, including the rise of artificial intelligence tools like voice cloning and deepfake videos. Lester shares real-world examples, red flags to watch for, and practical steps you and your loved ones can take to stay safe, especially during the busy holiday season. You’ll also hear what to do if you think you've been scammed, how to report it, and why it’s so important to speak up. This episode gives you the tools to pause, think, and protect yourself. Follow Us * Twitter @AARPCA * Facebook @aarpcalifornia * Instagram @aarpca Additional Resources: * Learn more about fraud prevention: AARP Fraud Watch Network™ [https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/finance/fraud-watch-network/] * Report a Scam or Get Help: AARP Fraud Helpline [https://help.aarp.org/s/article/report-fraud] — Call 877-908-3360 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) [help.aarp.org] [https://help.aarp.org/s/article/report-fraud] * Learn how to spot scams: Scams & Fraud Prevention Tips [https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/] Presented by AARP California www.AARP.org/CA [http://www.aarp.org/CA] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California's Family Caregivers in Focus

Family caregivers are the unsung backbone of California’s long-term care system and they’re under increasing pressure. In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon is joined by Dr. Donna Benton, Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center, and Dr. Nina Weiler-Harwell, Associate Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement with AARP California. They break down new state-level data on caregiving, share recent policy wins like SB 590, and call out the real gaps facing unpaid caregivers across California. From workplace challenges and financial stress to legislative advocacy and the California Master Plan for Aging, this conversation brings clarity to the caregiving landscape in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or just want to better understand the caregiving crisis in California, this episode offers key takeaways and real solutions. Follow Us * Twitter @AARPCA * Facebook @aarpcalifornia * Instagram @aarpca Additional Resources: * Explore AARP’s Caregiving Hub: aarp.org/caregiving [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving] * Read Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Family Caregiving Across States [https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025-caring-across-states/?msockid=3a83c24566316a4038a4d42d67a76b04] * Read Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: California [https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/cgus-2025-caring-across-states/caregiving-in-the-us-2025-california.doi.10.26419-2fppi.00383.004.pdf] Presented by AARP California www.AARP.org/CA [http://www.aarp.org/CA] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.