the nys attorney general’s office is addressing the increase of crooks who prey on senior citizens (specially women) with a seminar eligible “scam, frauds and consumer protection. “

the most common scams are: advance free loans, prize/sweepstakes, business opportunities, real estate, credit card and stock offers, magazine sales, travel/vacations, work at home systems, and counterfeit sweepstakes. One of the most superficial and apparent ways is a phone call from telemarketers. ( call 888-382-1222) fraudulent modes and methods are getting progressively devious as the unsuspecting heartstrings of trusting, older adults are pulled upon.

one scheme called “the granny scam” is to call up reasonably late at night. Whether or not an older woman answers, they begin talking hurriedly into the receiver. “grandma! Grandma! ” grandma answers, “sally! Is that you? You don’t sound right! ” “yes! I know” answers sneaky sally “i’ve been in a car accident and i need money right away! ” “what can i do? ” “please wire money to this presence and address. . . ” grandma is out is $500 or more, dependent upon what she has lovingly sent to “accident victim” sally.

another scam is a phone call from a “commissioner of jurors”, who informs you of missing your jury obligation assignment, even though were not aware your were called to serve – but whether or not you “tell me your social ease and security number” they’ll look after your missing name. This scam came about in 21 states, and the numbers are growing. Never give out your social ease and security number over the telephone.

the role of the attorney general’s office is to defend and act as an advocate for the consumer. They mediate where a case of consumer fraud is apparent, and litigate whether or not a number of individual is taking part, shutting down a business permanently. Charities who are negligent in how they present themselves are likewise open to dissolution. For instance, somebody emailing from “the center for missing youth” took of advantage of the widely known “center for missing and exploited children” hoping the reader would jumble and confuse the two. The first is not a legitimate structure and establishment, and were counting on humans not knowing the difference. The attorney general’s office likewise gets restitution for the consumer who has been duped. The structure and establishment or business can be fined, recompense a fee and recompense for your attorney.

another role of the attorney general’s office is to educate. There are sweepstake and lottery scams, specially taking advantage of older adults. The rule of thumb to go by is that not a single soul wins a sweepstakes without entering.

renegade contractors are likewise a blight on society’s older americans. Never recompense upfront for a contract whether it be to replace your roof, vinyl side your home, or put in a new driveway, as well as any other improvements to your home. Likewise, ensure you accept an itemized list and a contract explaining what the contractor intends to do, how much it will cost for means and materials, and most importantly, a date of completion. Ensure the contractor has adequate insurance in case he is harm on the occupation, and that he has an escrow account for your deposit. Any money you give him ought not go into his own impertinent and personal or business checking account. It’s always virtuous and wise to get a number of estimate.

the most late scam to hit unsuspecting seniors is the home ease and security scam. Troubles arose when humans would show up at a homeowner’s doorstep saying the ease and security establishment and scheme necessitated to be updated. The individual can look official, wearing the shirt that has the same logo of your ease and security plan. But various weeks later you will get a bill from the organisation and the organisation you in the first place signed with. What came about is the second company (who is legitimate) has replaced your former company’s wiring – you’re legitimately responsible for two ease and security company accounts! Always call and determine before letting somebody work on your equipment.

another way to defend yourself is to eliminate your name from lists sold to banks and other credit agencies. To prevent the credit bureaus from syndication your name and info, call 1-888-567-8688. You’re eligible to a free credit report each 12 months. For more info with regards to scams or whether or not you have been a dupe and victim, contact benjamin bruce at the nys attorney general’s office (585)546-7430. Don’t let the embarrassment of being taken advantage of prohibit you from protecting yourself and others from getting victims again.