I am writing to you today to discuss the increase in fraud we are experiencing nationally and locally. Two of the most reported scams are individuals identifying themselves as Social Security officials through telephone calls and emails. The second is individuals attempting to determine who provides your electric and natural gas. These individuals will typically utilize the information to switch you to a third-party supplier who profits as a broker for various utility providers.

PLEASE SHARE information for awareness with others – if you have been a fraud victim, do not be embarrassed or ashamed, contact the Montgomery County Sheriff, and make a formal complaint. We need to prevent these people from taking advantage of our community. Montgomery County Sheriff: 518.853.5500

Phishing Scams

Phishing attempts to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity using a bulk email that tries to evade spam filters.
Although Phishing is a phrase identifying with getting information through email, fraudsters will attempt to collect sensitive private data by calling as well.

Helpful Resources

Federal Do Not Call Registry
https://www.donotcall.gov

Social Security Administration:
https://www.ssa.gov/antifraudfacts/

New York Attorney General:
https://ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds/telemarketing-fraud

AARP Utility Scams
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-02-2013/beware-utility-company-scams.html

New York Consumer Protection
https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/scams/utilitiesfraud.html

Here are some downloadable information sheets that you may share with others. Please print and share with those people that do not have connectivity to the internet.