Scams

About

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), adults over age 60 in 2023 lost more than $3.4 billion as a result of scams, an almost 11 percent increase in reported losses from 2022. Additionally, there was also a 14 percent increase in complaints filed with IC3. Frauds and scams will continue to evolve, but many characteristics of these schemes remain the same even as new trends develop.

Watch our video series below or on the YouTube playlist here.
Read our guide 'Don't Get Scammed': A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft.

What To Do

Trusted organizations – banks, government agencies, legitimate businesses, charities – don’t call, email, or text “out of the blue” to ask for your personal information.

Always verify independently with a trusted source whenever receiving such requests: by using a website or phone number you know to be legitimate.
If someone reaches out asking for money or personal information, always remember: close the link, hang up the phone, contact a trusted source instead.
In New York State, a person victimized by a scam can call 911 to file a local police report. With a report and assistance from a victims’ advocate, claims can be submitted to the New York State Office of Victims Services. $100 per incident per claim is available for a maximum of $2,500 per victim. The Federal government tracks data and a report should also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Scams Series: Intro Video

In this intro video, NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen joins Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, in kicking off NYSOFA's series of videos on some of the most common scams targeting older adults.

Video Series: Gift Card Scam

You receive a call or text message asking you to buy gift cards or other prepaid cards and share the card access information with the scammer. What should you do?

Video Series: Charity Scam

Did you see an ad asking for a donation? Did you receive a phone call or email asking for a donation? Do your homework prior to giving money to an organization you know little about. Is it reputable? Go to FTC.gov, charitynavigator.org or charitywatch.org. You can learn things such as how much of your contribution goes to the administration of the organization and how much actually goes toward the stated need.

Video Series: Parcel Scam

We all order items online; but know this about your parcel deliveries – no shipping company will send you an unsolicited communication asking for personal information.

Video Series: Government Imposter Scam

In Government Imposter scams, a scammer will contact you pretending to be a government agency (like the IRS, Medicare, Social Security). No federal government agency will ever call you. Not Social Security. Not the IRS. Federal agencies won’t threaten you and or ask you to pay money by phone. If a caller says they are from a government agency and asks for personal information, hang up.

Video Series: Tech Scam

You’re on your computer and suddenly it freezes, or a big yellow warning statement appears which says your computer has a virus. This is a SCAM. Never click on links to allow someone remote access to your computer.

Video Series: Romance Scam

In the typical Romance Scam, scammers create fake online profiles to establish a relationship with victims and steal their money. Learn how to spot a romance scam — and how to avoid getting caught up in one.