Combating elder abuse and scams against seniors

BRIGHTON BEACH — Elder abuse — an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an adult 60 years of age and older — is on the rise, and is extremely prevalent in today’s society.

Many seniors are, of course, privy to physical and psychological elder abuse. However, financial exploitation and fraud — as well as a myriad of scams, online and otherwise, against older adults and senior citizens — also fall into that category as well.

According to the most recent statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2022, there were 88,262 complaints of fraud from people age 60 and older, resulting in $3.1 billion in losses — an alarming 82.35% increase in losses as compared to 2021.

However, knowledge is power, and the 60th Precinct’s Community Outreach Division, along with Be Proud, Inc., a non-for-profit organization, took a quantum leap forward on Monday, arming older adults and seniors with many a valuable tip to prevent them from becoming victims.

The aforementioned organizations hosted a free educational seminar on the afternoon of Jan. 22 to a crowd of nearly 100 seniors from the Brighton Beach community.

Older adults are typically less likely to be tech-savvy and more likely to be home during the day to answer phone calls or reply to emails. They also may have accrued a lifetime of savings, their own home and a promising credit score.

Scams that were discussed at the seminar included the Family Scam, Government Impostor Scam, Lottery Scam, Robocall Scam and more.  

Det. William Kwok explained the Family Scam.

“Someone will call you, disguise their voice, perhaps saying ‘I’m your grandson; I’m hurt; I need money, and you need to send it right away,’” Kwok said, adding that many of them sound extremely professional and real.

“But do not trust the person on the other side. Hang up the phone and call your family member yourself.” 

Kwok also mentioned Robocalls, where a voice on the other end of the phone would ask “Can you hear me?” 

“When the older person says ‘yes,’ the scammer then records their voice and hangs up. The criminal then has a voice signature to authorize unwanted charges on items like stolen credit cards,” he said. 

“As for the Government Impostor Scam, when someone posing as a government representative attempts to take your money over the phone, for example — we are now coming into tax season, and you should know that government agencies do not take money from you telephonically — it’s always via a letter in the mail. Be aware of this type of scam,” Kwok said. 

“Then there is the infamous Lottery Scam. Someone may say you won $500,000, and just have to pay the taxes on the ‘win.’ 

“So you wire away $20,000, they mail you the check, and the check, of course, bounces.” 

Officer Chris Cannizzaro of Community Affairs added that one should never give out any personal info over the phone — Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth and the like. 

“That is how perps can open up credit cards under your name,” he said. 

“And if you get a text from a bank saying there is suspicious activity on your credit or debit card — that your accounts have been frozen — and they ask you to click a link to update your personal information, look on the back of your credit card and call that number instead.” 

Cannizzaro also discussed scams that take place in the flesh.

“There is a scam where people knock on doors say they are contractors — ‘We can fix your bathroom, kitchen, etc.’, they might say. 

“They will give you an estimate, ask for the cash up front and you will never see them again. 

“And always be careful and verify whoever it is that knocks on your door. There have been situations where someone might say they are a plumber, and that there is a leak coming from your floor, and the only way they can get to that leak is from your apartment.”

Cannizzaro said that they’re once in your apartment, someone else ends up distracting you and taking whatever they can find. If such a case arises, he noted, it’s always best to ask your superintendent what is going on.  

Finally, Cannizzaro spoke about preventing physical abuse and burglary as well.

“When carrying a purse, carry it in a way that will allow you to let it go if necessary. Do not carry it on your shoulder or wrist, as the perp will drag you to the ground. Everything can be replaced, but your health cannot. You can always call 911 after the fact.” 

He added that men should carry their wallet in their front pocket, as they are more likely to get pickpocketed in their rear pocket.   

Regarding burglary prevention, he said that a deadbolt — and not a chain latch, which is easy to bypass — is much more effective.

“And do not leave that extra set of keys under the doormat or flower pot; give them to a neighbor that you trust,” Cannizzaro said. 

 “Also, if your window leads to a fire escape, make sure that your window is always locked. Perps committing a burglary are going to do so through the fire escape window.” 

Alex Zhorov, president of Be Proud, Inc., pointed out that Monday’s seminar was “super important and critical” for seniors and older adults. 

“It’s imperative for elderly people — especially those that don’t speak English well — to know how to prevent these incidents. 

“Hopefully. everyone here today took something with them that they can use,” Zhorov said.  

As for resources that can help, there are, of course, the local police, your bank (if money has been taken from your accounts) and Adult Protective Services.

To obtain the contact information for Adult Protective Services in your area, call the Eldercare Locator, a government sponsored national resource line, at (800) 677-1116, or visit their website. Scams online can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.