Attorney General's office offers tips for seniors to avoid scams
Warwick Scammers can spot the most vulnerable targets. It starts early. As youngsters, they pick on the shy kids or the ones they know won’t fight back. As much as senior citizens should be protected and revered, there are many unscrupulous people who are out there waiting to take advantage. It happens everywhere, including Warwick. Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton said that recently a man posing as a Cablevision employee knocked on a senior’s door, went into the home, looked behind the television, walked through the house and left. After a call to Cablevision from a family member, they learned that this was not an employee and no one from Cablevision will knock on your door without an appointment being made first. They will also have identification. The police are investigating the situation. “Never let anyone in your home who doesn’t have an appointment or identification,” said Sweeton. The Attorney General’s office has published a booklet for seniors called “Smart Seniors” detailing potential scams and explaining what the law allows. Village of Warwick trustee Eileen Patterson attended a New York Conference of Mayors event and noticed the booklet. Since she is the liaison to seniors for the village, she picked one up, read it and thought it would be a great resource for seniors to have. She promptly ordered 250 copies. The booklet identifies the scams in detail, even giving examples of what happened with people who were either taken in by them or who alerted family members or law enforcement. For example, sweepstakes that come in the mail promising “you have won.” They are often times attached to buying something, like magazines. Many people buy merchandise hoping this will improve their chances of winning. It is against the law in New York to require that a person buy something in order to enter a contest or to receive future sweepstakes mailings. Sweepstakes are free. If you want to enter them, feel free. But don’t buy things you don’t need. It will not increase your chances of winning. Legitimate contests clearly state the terms, rules, entry procedures and the odds of winning. “Be suspicious of any sweepstakes solicitation that asks you to send money to cover shipping and handling costs or to provide a credit card number as a condition of receiving your prize,” according to “Smart Seniors.” Telemarketing scams are among the fastest growing scams against seniors. According to the Attorney General’s office, seniors lose thousands of dollars every year responding to telemarketing calls selling products, worthless services and investments. It is a $40 billion (with a B) a year business for scam artists. Some tips from “Smart Seniors” when you answer the phone: Never, never, never disclose your credit card, bank account, or social security numbers to someone who contacts you by phone or Internet. Ask detailed questions about the products and services offered. Get the total price, the delivery date, the return and cancellation policy and warranty information. Ask the caller to send you more information through the mail. Any reputable company will mail information about its products or services. Resist pressure to send payment via private courier, wire transmission or overnight delivery. Under New York law, you have three business days to cancel your purchase if it exceeds $25. Take your time in making decisions. Don’t be afraid to say no or hang up. Call 1-888-5OPT-OUT to have your name removed from consumer lists provided to telemarketers. Patterson, who meets with senior groups, is handing out the booklets, which are free. She is also looking for a volunteer accountant or tax advisor to come and speak to the senior groups on tax tips. The word to the wise is: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.