A Voice from the Eastern Door

Protecting Elders from Fraud

Everyday we hear stories of elders and others falling victim to fraud. Our community of Akwesasne is not the exception. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a victim is to be aware and to practice prevention.

The top fraud complaints from NY Seniors are about: Internet auctions, Prize/Sweepstakes and Lotteries, Shop-at-home/Catalog Sales, Internet and Computer services, Telephone services, Foreign Money Offers and Advance-Fee loans/Credit Protection and repair. These are the top scams and schemes that our elders fall victims to, but there are many others not on this list.

How can you tell if you or loved one is being scammed? Schemes and frauds frequently begin with a phone call, letter, or visit that you did not ask for. If you didn’t call them first, hang up. This rule applies to any one who calls, including those people claiming to be from Social Security, EPIC, or Medicare. If you didn’t call them first, hang up. If you are concerned that you may have missed an important call, call back the company, agency, or bank directly using the phone number from the phone book or your own paperwork. Beware of offers that are “too good to be true” because they are. Ignore all mail and phone calls involving foreign lotteries. Be suspicious of any sweepstakes that ask you to send money or your credit card number to receive your prize or for taxes on the winnings. These fees are normally taken directly out of the winnings or paid directly to the government, not the company. Be wary of mail asking for personal information from companies that you’ve never heard of. Some schemes ask for information promising updates on your Medicare or drug coverage or maybe even saying it’s necessary or you’ll lose your coverage. It’s not true. If you have questions about mail you’ve received about Medicare or other health insurance, stop into the Office for Aging. We’ll help you sort out what’s true and what’s a scam.

Remember its okay to do the following should you suspect a scam:

Say “NO” and hang up, walk away, or close the door

Throwaway mail you did not ask for and/or delete email you did not ask for

NEVER give out your credit card, bank account, Medicare, or Social Security number to anyone who contacts you by phone or internet.

Ask detailed questions about the product and service and/or request more information by mail. Be suspicious of any one unwilling to provide you specifics.

Take your time to make a decision. Remember they called you. If you feel pressured, hang up.

Ask a family member, friend, or someone else you trust to look over materials you receive before you send in money or other information.

Register with the National DO NOT CALL program. Call toll free at 1-888-382-1222. Or stop in at the Office for Aging for assistance. Registering will reduce the number of calls you receive

Many elders who are victims of fraud are reluctant to file complaint because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. The truth is anyone could be a victim. Scammers will take advantage anyway they can. Filing a complaint is one way to get back at a scammer and stop it from happening again.

If you think you are a victim of a scam, contact your bank and let them know what happened. Contact your local police department and file a report. You may need this report to try and get your money back. Call the Consumer Protection Board at 1(800)697-1220 so they can warn others and offer assistance. For more information or assistance, contact the Office for Aging at (518) 358-2963.

 

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