Every day, scammers become more sophisticated in their attempts to steal money, personal information, and peace of mind from older adults. Whether through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or even traditional mail, fraudsters continually change their tactics—but one thing remains the same: education is the best protection.
To help older adults and their families stay informed, the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (CCOFAS) is partnering with George M. Borrello to present a Fraud and Scam Prevention Program on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Jamestown Community College (JCC) 10AM-Noon. The presentation will provide practical information on recognizing today's most common scams, protecting personal and financial information, and knowing where to turn if you or someone you know becomes a victim.
Older New Yorkers are increasingly targeted by criminals using impersonation scams, fake government agency calls, romance scams, Medicare fraud, tech support scams, grandparent scams, and requests for payment by gift cards or cryptocurrency. The New York State Office for the Aging reminds older adults to remember one simple rule: Stop. Verify. Protect. Never feel pressured to act immediately. Hang up, independently verify the caller or organization using a trusted phone number, and never provide personal information, banking information, Medicare numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Senator Borrello has long championed fraud prevention education for older adults, noting that while technology has made our lives easier, it has also created new opportunities for criminals. He has emphasized that scams can have devastating financial and emotional consequences and that education empowers older adults to recognize warning signs before becoming victims. His previous fraud prevention workshops have brought together law enforcement, aging services professionals, consumer protection experts, and the Center for Elder Law & Justice to provide practical guidance and resources.
The Office of the New York State Attorney General also advises consumers to be skeptical of unsolicited contacts, avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments, never pay unexpected bills with gift cards or cryptocurrency, and report suspected scams immediately. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and talk with a trusted family member or advisor before taking action. Reporting scams not only helps protect you but also helps authorities identify fraud trends and warn others.
At the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, protecting older adults extends beyond providing programs and services—it includes helping residents stay safe from financial exploitation. We encourage seniors to attend this important educational event and learn simple strategies that can prevent devastating losses.
Remember:
- Never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
- Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never demand payment using gift cards.
- Be cautious of messages creating urgency or fear.
- Verify before you trust.
- When in doubt, hang up and call a trusted source directly.
Working together, we can make Chautauqua County a safer place for older adults by staying informed, asking questions, and sharing what we learn with friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
For additional information about the August 27 program or other services available through the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, contact NY Connects at 716-753-4582 or CCYNC@chqgov.com.
Seats for the August 27, 2026 event are limited to 85 and preregistration through the Chautauqua County NY Connects helpline will be required for this important presentation. Registration will open August 3, 2026.
The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services remains committed to guiding, connecting, and advocating for older adults so they can remain healthy, independent, and engaged in the communities they call home.
