Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Bayside), Council Member Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), and the 111th Precinct held a workshop to provide seniors with consumer protection and safety tips. Scammers have been calling seniors across Queens claiming to be collecting debt from a utility company, the IRS, settlement for an auto accident, or even the local NYPD Precinct.

Congresswoman Meng stated, “With con-artists and scammers constantly preying upon our seniors, it is critical that older adults not let their guard down and protect themselves against this type of abuse. These valuable tips from the 111th Precinct will help seniors be on the alert and fight back against fraudsters who seek to rip them off. I thank the 111th Precinct for proving this important information.”

“Scammers are targeting the most vulnerable in our community,” said Assemblywoman Rozic. “We need to raise community awareness and help protect our elderly from becoming victims of these ongoing crimes.”

Council Member Weprin said, “I was pleased to join Assemblywoman Rozic, Congresswoman Meng and the 111th Precinct at the Bayside Senior Center for a public safety meeting. It is crucial that we all work together to keep our seniors informed about new scams, so that they may avoid becoming victims.”

Community members are urged to use caution and do the following to protect themselves:

• Never wire money, provide debit card information, credit card numbers or Green Dot MoneyPak card numbers to strangers or solicitors.
• Use caution and be suspicious of callers looking for immediate payment for any reason.
• Do not give out personal or financial information to people who call or email you unsolicited.
• No utility companies or government agencies, including the IRS, will ever call requesting immediate payment via Green Dot MoneyPak.
• Be aware of “skimming,” which is when a device is affixed to the ATM and copies your card information, giving criminals the ability to potentially drain your bank account. Always inspect the ATM before use.

If anyone has any questions about scam prevention tips, they can contact Assemblywoman Rozic’s office at 718-820-0241.