Nassau County Officials Warn Seniors of Multiple Scams

Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder urge residents to be vigilant about various scams targeting seniors in the area. Here are some common scams to watch for:

• Home Improvement Scam: Contractors offer free inspections or repairs and may cause damage to your home to make repairs seem necessary. Avoid letting unknown individuals into your home, and do not pay for unapproved work or pay in advance. Use checks or credit cards for payment to keep records.
• Flat Tire Scam: After leaving a bank or store, a person offers help with a flat tire but distracts the victim while an accomplice steals items from the vehicle.
• Relative Arrested Scam: Scammers claim a relative is in trouble and needs bail money, which they request be paid in cash or gift cards.
• Social Security Scam: Victims are told their Social Security number has been used fraudulently and are asked for bank details or gift cards to prevent financial loss.
• IRS Scam: Callers impersonate IRS agents, threatening arrest or fines due to tax issues and asking for payments via gift cards. The IRS does not contact people by phone for such matters.
• Lottery Scam: Victims are informed they’ve won a prize and must pay a fee to collect it.
• Computer Scam: Victims are told they need to grant remote access to fix a supposed problem, allowing scammers to access personal and financial information.
• Arrest Warrant Scam: Scammers claim there’s a warrant out for the victim’s arrest and demand gift cards to resolve it.
• PSEG Scam: Scammers pretending to be PSEG employees threaten immediate service disconnection unless payment is made.
• Amazon Scam: Victims are told their Amazon account is compromised and must pay with gift cards.

These scams can result in significant financial losses. If you suspect you have been targeted, contact 911 immediately.

Residents are encouraged to share this information with family members, neighbors, and seniors. Anyone with information on these scams should contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous.