Consumer alert: Scams targeting older New Yorkers now more common, successful, and expensive

The state's Division of Consumer Protection sent out an alert warning of scams targeting senior New Yorkers.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In the first week of June, which is World Elder Abuse Month, the state's Division of Consumer Protection sent out an alert warning of scams targeting senior New Yorkers. Apparently recognizing the older cohort as easy marks, scammers typically lose their victims significant sums of money.

The FBI said that elder fraud complaints to its Internet Crime Complaint Center grew by 14% in 2023, with financial losses from such fraud also increasing by about 11%. The average loss is $33,915. New Yorkers who are older than 60 are particularly susceptible to:

• Medical device scam: “Robocallers” offer free devices in exchange for the target's address and credit card information
• Grandparent scam: Scammers impersonate a beloved grandchild who needs money to get out of trouble
• Ghosting scam: Using info from obituaries, funeral homes, hospitals, stolen death certificates, and websites, scammers take out bogus credit cards and loans
• Jury duty scam: Pretending to be officials or law enforcement, scammers convince the target that they owe a fee for missing jury duty
• Funeral notification scam: Scammers send deceptive emails about a loved one's death with a link to a malicious download that accesses the target's private info
• Sweepstakes scam: Scammers collect personal info or a fee to enter a fake sweepstakes
• IRS Imposter Scam: Threatening arrest, phony IRS agents demand immediate payment of inauthentic overdue taxes
• Free grant scam: Fraudsters promise grants money in exchange for bank account and routing numbers

Of course, the Division of Consumer Protection says never to send money, gift cards, or personal information out over the phone. Slow down and verify their identity by confirming directly with the business or family member they claim to represent. If you can spot the warning signs of scams and document your interactions with an apparent scammer, you can report it to the authorities.

“Scams targeting older adults are becoming more prevalent and more advanced, with scammers using many different tactics to deceive consumers and steal personal information, money or both,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Make a plan to help protect older family members and friends from financial abuse.”