Seniors Learn About Scams In Unique Way
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Scammers are using coronavirus fears as a new hook to defraud seniors.
The Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council's Elder Abuse Committee teamed up with Fun Flicks to provide scam information over the radio waves at a drive-in event.
Assistant Attorney General at Binghamton's Regional Office, Michael Danaher, says he is seeing scammers sell air purifiers claiming to clear the virus, fraudulent PPE, and fake cures and supplements.
His office has been sending cease and desist letters to organizations who have been selling products that don't actually protect you from COVID-19.
"For medicines and supplements, talk to a medical provider. It's as simple as that," said Danaher.
Scammers are also posing as contact tracers.
"People are receiving notices that they've been around someone who's been infected and they need to pay for a test -- that's not true," said Visions Federal Credit Union Security and BSA Compliance Officer, Amie Reilly.
Contact tracers will never ask for payment information or security numbers.
Reilly says you should never provide your financial information to anyone, especially over the phone.
"First thing is to always remember to go with your gut, if something doesn't feel right -- it isn't," said Reilly.
Other coronavirus scams include Stimulus Check phone calls, where people are getting texts, calls, and emails asking for personal information to receive their stimulus check. The only place that has the legitimate information on the checks is on the IRS website.
Charity scammers are asking people to donate to an organization to help people affected by COVID-19. It is important to know that real organizations will never rush you into a donation. Be sure to research the organization first.
"The biggest thing is that people have to step back and think about this before they make their decisions," said Danaher. "Especially when somebody is starting to ask for money, personal information, social security numbers, names and addresses..."
If you are unsure if a call or email is legitimate, you can call your financial institution or contact the Attorney General's office.
“There is a plethora of Broome County agencies that are here to help. Pick up the phone and ask," said Reilly.
For more information on scams, you can visit the Broome County website.