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For Seniors and Those Who Love and Care for Them: Scams and Other Financial Matters

The COVID-19 Pandemic has left our senior population most vulnerable and isolated. This resource has been developed with their needs in mind.

A Time for Extra Caution

Cyber-criminals and hackers have found a Trojan horse in the Coronavirus and the U.S. Census to use as a vehicles to scam seniors of their money or their personal information. In the case of the Coronavirus, they are trying to take advantage of the public's anxiety and lack of knowledge about the disease to sell miracle cures, test kits (COVID-19 and antibody), fake testing-sites, vaccines, disinfecting products, and bogus charities to name a few. In addition, you may find yourself a target of U.S. Census related scams.

This poster from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) summarizes what you can do for Coronavirus scams.

The US Census Bureau has tips for you to avoid fraudulent activity and scams related to the Census Survey.

We have listed some articles and websites that further explain what is happening and how you can protect yourself.

WARNING - New Coronavirus Fraud and Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains what you can do and what it is doing to protect you from Coronavirus scams and fraud

AARP article on Coronavirus ScamRobocalls and Texts

AARP article on Coronavirus Phishing Scams and How to Avoid Them

AARP article on IRS Warns Taxpayers About Stimulus-Check Scams

Senior Medicare Patrol article on Medicare and Coronavirus Frauds and Scams

New York State Office of the Attorney General provides

Guidance on Coronavirus Resources and Warnings about Consumer Scams

Money Matters

Coronavirus Related Information

New York State Department of Labor - Apply for Unemployment Insurance if your place of work is in NYS
AARP Answers: Unemployment and the Coronavirus
AARP article on Social Security Recipients to Get Stimulus Payments Without Filing Tax Returns
IRS Information about your Economic Impact Payment (stimulus payment)
AARP article on Health Insurers Waive COVID-19 Out-of-Pocket Treatment Costs

Other Scam and Fraud Information

Pass It On - The FTC wants you to share this information about common scams
Money Smart for Older Adults - The FDIC and BCFP Resource Guide to help prevent Elder Financial Exploitation
AARP advice on Census Scams