In light of recent news and reports from constituents of scam schemes in our neighborhoods, Assemblyman Hevesi would like to remind residents to be alert and aware of the efforts of these dishonest predators and share some tips on how to avoid being caught in one of their schemes.

Assemblyman Hevesi’s office was recently contacted by a constituent who received a solicitation in the mail from a company posing as the Publisher’s Clearing House. The scammer claimed that the constituent had won a sum of money and sent a check in the amount of the taxes that would be due once the winnings were deposited, with instructions on how to collect the remainder of the winnings once the check was deposited.

Mailers like this are a scam; the goal is to obtain one’s banking information once the check is deposited. Letters like this should be regarded with suspicion. Assemblyman Hevesi encourages consumers to be aware of scams of this nature, and not to respond to requests for banking information or any other personal identification information so as to protect your financial identity. Scams of this nature should be reported to the New York State Consumer Protection Board or the New York State Attorney General’s office immediately. Consumers are urged to call the Consumer Protection Board’s hotline at either 518-474-8583 or 1-800-697-1220, or the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-771-7755.

“I would like to remind everyone that scams of this nature still happen every day,” Assemblyman Hevesi said. “I encourage you to be aware of this issue, and to immediately report any suspicious solicitations to the Consumer Protection Board or the Attorney General’s office. You cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting your financial identity.”