Rise Of Scams Targeting Elderly In Nassau County: Police

MINEOLA, NY —Nassau officials are cautioning about several scams circulating targeting seniors.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and County Executive Bruce Blakeman said residents should be aware of:

• Home Improvement Scam – a contractor representative will come to the home and offer a free inspection or home repairs. They may also point out damage to your home that they caused. Do not let unknown people into your home. Do not pay for work you did not approve to be performed and do not pay in advance for work to be completed.
• Flat Tire Scam – a victim has a flat tire shortly after exiting the bank or a shopping center.
  The victim is immediately approached by someone who is conveniently behind the vehicle offering assistance. While distracted, another involved person enters the vehicle and removes the victim’s property.
• Relative Arrested Scam - Victims are advised by the caller that one of their relatives
  has been in an accident or has been arrested and is in police custody. The caller further advises that bail must be paid, and they arrange for a meeting place for the payment.
• Social Security Scam - The social security number has been used for fraudulent activity. To
  avoid loss of finances, the victim must provide bank account information or send gift cards.
• IRS Scam – a caller states they are from the IRS and are in danger of being arrested
  or fined due to tax discrepancies. It is not general practice for the IRS to contact via the telephone and in no circumstances would they ask for payments via gift cards.
• Computer Scam – a victim receives a message while online stating there is a problem and the ‘person’ needs to take remote access control to repair the problem. At that time, they gain access to personal information files and online banking information to remove or transfer funds.
• PSEG Scam – residents and small business customers receive calls from individuals claiming to be employees, and that a payment must be made immediately, or their service will be disconnected.

If you believe you may have been a victim of any of these scams, please call 911 immediately.