CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE LEADS THE CHARGE AGAINST HOLIDAY SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS

(Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by Lifespan of Greater Rochester and local seniors at the Lily Café to discuss the rise in scams and other malicious attacks aimed at older Americans during the holiday season.

“While the holiday season brings with it a time of joy and generosity, it also brings a concerning rise in scams and other bad actors targeting older Americans,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “These increased fraudulent activities range from fake charities to deceptive online schemes, and I want to make sure all our seniors are equipped with the tools and knowledge to make safe, informed decisions during the holidays. By staying vigilant and sharing valuable information from trusted sources like the Federal Trade Commission, AARP, Lifespan, and more, we can ensure that the holiday season remains a time of joy.”

Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, said: “Every single day we hear from older adults who have been victims of scams. Scams are serious crimes that at a minimum disrupt a person’s life and usually impact their financial future for a long time. Somehow, during the holidays, it seems an even worse offense. At Lifespan we work to educate older adults, protect them against unscrupulous people and help them if they have been scammed. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Morelle for his leadership on this issue and on all issues that impact the lives of older adults.” 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with an uptick during the holidays due to fake charities, fraudulent online shopping deals, and Medicare-related phishing schemes.

It’s essential to raise awareness and always be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls, especially those claiming to be from government agencies or well-known organizations. Government agencies and banks do not ask for personal or financial information over the phone or through email, including Medicare services. It’s open enrollment season, and scammers may take advantage of this by targeting recipients. Beware of unsolicited text messages. Never click on links or reply to messages claiming you have won a prize, or an urgent response is requested.

For more information on scam prevention, or what to do if you fall victim, visit Lifespan of Greater Rochester’s website or give them a call at 585-244-8400.

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