{"id":4125,"date":"2023-11-27T14:19:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T19:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=4125"},"modified":"2023-12-14T14:21:39","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T19:21:39","slug":"beware-of-scammers-this-time-of-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-41-no-10\/beware-of-scammers-this-time-of-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of scammers this time of year"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PEFDecember 21, 2023 — <\/em>Happy Holidays, PEF Retirees!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I am providing information from our Attorney General as well as AARP in this edition of <\/span>Retirees in Action.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear New Yorkers,<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s unfortunate, but true: Seniors are often targeted for financial exploitation and investment fraud. A recent study found that, in just a single year, older adults lost at least $2.9 billion to fraud committed both by persons they know and trust and by complete strangers. And, to make matters worse, victims who lose their money are unlikely to get it back, even if the perpetrators are apprehended.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important that everyone has the right tools and information to make decisions about their finances, and to know the best ways to protect themselves and their hard earned money. This guidance provides some of those tools: how to recognize a scam; who is at risk, and \u2014 most important \u2014 how to protect yourself.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of our office\u2019s primary functions is protecting New Yorkers from investment and financial fraud. If you believe that you or someone you know has been victimized, call us. We have investigators and prosecutors who specialize in fighting elder financial exploitation. We will do our best to answer your questions and provide the help you need.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leticia James<\/span><\/i>
\nNew York Attorney General<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you or a loved one been targeted by a scam?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

AARP\u2019s website<\/span><\/a> has an excellent fraud support section and the NYS Attorney General also has a program called <\/span>Smart Seniors<\/span><\/a>. These are excellent resources for seniors or anyone who has been targeted. I have a relative who was a victim of a scam and have talked with other seniors who have been victimized. The following information is from the AARP Website and is just a sample of what\u2019s available. During this holiday season we all need to be extra vigilant because scams are most prevalent during the holidays.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, you are not alone.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our AARP fraud specialists provide free support and guidance on what to do next.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common signs of a scam include:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n