AGENCY TESTIMONY
Examples of recent elder fraud cases and resolution
0:22:45
·
3 min
The testimony includes specific examples of elder fraud cases and how they were resolved with the help of NYC Aging's Resource Center. These cases illustrate the types of scams targeting older adults and the importance of support services.
- A 95-year-old woman fell victim to an impostor scam, losing $60,000 from her bank account
- With help from the Resource Center, the woman was able to submit a complaint and recover her funds
- Another case involved an older adult who mistakenly paid scammers instead of their Spectrum bill
- The Resource Center assisted in filing a police report and a restitution application with the NYS Office of Victim Services
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
0:22:45
You also recognize the we also recognize the critical need for support in navigating financial systems when older adults fall victims to scam.
0:22:55
The resource sensor routinely works with older adults who have been victims of scams or suspect that they had been a victim, and walking through the processes to rectify the situation or to seek reinstitution.
0:23:10
Recently, a ninety five year old woman who was a victim of an impostor scam sought services from the resource center.
0:23:17
Some were pretended to be Chase Bank employee and withdrew $60,000 from her account.
0:23:23
Because she willingly gave over critical account information to an to an individual perpetuating the scam thinking they were a legitimate camp us bank employee.
0:23:33
She contacted Chase Bank after realizing the mistake.
0:23:37
They refused to return the fund.
0:23:39
The bank the bank requested she fill out forms through an online process, which which she was unable to complete.
0:23:46
However, with the help of the resource center program, at NYCAG, the older adult was able to submit an online complaint reform, which she would not be able to do on her own.
0:23:57
The bank ultimately re reversed the funds.
0:24:01
This is a huge success and testament to the importance of the resource center work with older adults.
0:24:07
We are eager to work on legislative approaches at the federal level, which would require banking or financial institutions to set up greater safeguards and to ensure process where charges can be reversed before the fraud is completed.
0:24:23
As always, NYPD, there's also legislation that I would like to present to you at the state level also.
0:24:33
And that is regarding around the financial preparation of taxes.
0:24:37
In New York state, if you look at every other financial manager, are required to be licensed or certified and have a code of ethics that they must follow.
0:24:48
That is not the case with tax preparers who have access to all of your money.
0:24:52
So we're asking for the New York State legislature and the state education department to issue a certificate or a license for tax preparers to ensure that older adults are are safe and their information protected, and we hope that you join us on that advocacy effort.
0:25:10
As always, the NYPD plays a pivotal role in our fight against elder abuse and fraud.
0:25:16
If victims suspect that they're being scammed by a family member or a trusted individual or even a random member of the public, It is imperative that they reach out for help.
0:25:26
In another recent incident, the Elder Adult was reached the Resource Center through an intake line after he thought he was paying his Spectrum bill.
0:25:36
But in reality, he was paying scammers.
0:25:39
We were able to work with him and our partners and NYPD to complete a police report, which allowed the resource center to assist in filing a restitution application with the New York State office.
0:25:51
Of victim services as well as helping the NYPD investigate the crime against older adults.
