As the holiday season approaches, Schuyler County officials are issuing a warning to senior residents: fraudsters often step up their efforts during this time of year, exploiting goodwill, family connections, and seasonal sentiment to target older adults.
Office for the Aging Director Justine Patterson said, “At the Office for the Aging, we know how isolating the holiday season can feel, especially for older adults. Scammers count on that loneliness. Our goal is to empower seniors not only with services, but with the information they need to protect themselves.”
County Attorney Steven J. Getman emphasized the risks: “Scammers don’t take a holiday break. They ramp up efforts when emotions run high, using the spirit of giving against us. Our seniors deserve to enjoy the season without fear.” He noted that elder fraud losses nationwide topped $3.4 billion in 2023, and the trend shows no sign of slowing.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch For
Officials outlined several scams frequently targeting seniors:
- Grandparent Scams: Fraudsters pose as a distressed grandchild in urgent need of money, sometimes using AI-generated voices. Seniors are advised to hang up and call relatives directly using known numbers.
- Fake Charities: Con artists impersonate legitimate nonprofits and request payments through prepaid cards or cryptocurrency. Always verify organizations via sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.
- Bogus Online Shopping Deals: Phony websites or social media ads offer deals that are too good to be true, steal payment info, or send nothing at all. Shop only on secure sites (https://) and use credit cards for better protection.
- Government Impersonation Frauds: Callers claim to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare, pressuring for payment through gift cards or wire transfers. Government agencies never demand payment this way.
- Tech Support or Gift Card Scams: Pop-ups or calls claim your computer has a virus and ask for payment via gift cards. Seniors should never click unsolicited links or share codes.
- Fake Delivery Notifications: Emails or texts claim a package is delayed and request personal info or payment. Always verify tracking numbers with the shipping company.
Tips to Protect Yourself
Getman and Patterson encouraged seniors to follow these safeguards:
- Be cautious on social media during the holidays.
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Talk with family members about potential scams.
- Resist high-pressure tactics.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately.
“If you suspect you’ve been targeted or victimized, contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at (607) 535-8222 — or dial 911 in an emergency,” Getman said. “Outside Schuyler County, you can contact local law enforcement or the New York State Consumer Frauds Bureau at 1-800-771-7755.”
Patterson added, “Along with services like nutrition, in-home care, and benefits assistance, we are committed to fraud prevention education all year long. If anyone feels unsure, we encourage them to reach out — either to us or to trusted family — before responding to requests for money.”
“Education is our best defense — let’s arm our seniors with knowledge,” Getman concluded.
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