New program helps seniors identify scams

ELIZABETHTOWN | A new program is helping Essex County senior citizens safeguard themselves against a world that makes it a habit to prey upon their unsuspecting natures. Almost everyone has heard a horror story of an elderly grandmother who had her entire life savings wiped out because of an unscrupulous and ruthless scammer. Many have sighed in exasperation at seeing an aging parent be duped by a suspicious text fishing for money or a Social Security number. SilverShield, a service that helps the elderly identify text, email, and phone scams before it's too late, is aimed to equip the older population with defenses against fraudulent activity, and is now open for enrollment. "SilverShield is free for the first 50 adults that are 60 years of age and older in Essex County as part of a pilot program with New York State Office for the Aging, Association on Aging in NY, Essex County Office for the Aging, and Silver Shield," explained Krissy Leerkes, Director of Essex County Office for the Aging. "This program is a trusted, added layer of defense against scammers. Financial exploitation efforts are growing, and this is an effort to protect our constituents." When users receive a text, email or call from someone not saved in their contacts, all they need to do is simply send in the message or details on the spot via text or email and get guidance on what to do next. Though nobody is immune to being targeted in the online and cellular world, Leerkes noted that older adults seem to be singled out because they are typically trusting in nature, and may not report if they have been scammed because of fear that family or caregivers would question their ability to age in place or manage their own finances and affairs. "It is very hard to have good data when it comes to anyone- not just older adults- who have been scammed," said Leerkes. "Oftentimes, individuals that have been scammed, including older adults, do not report it to authorities as they are embarrassed or ashamed that it happened to them. There is also a misbelief that there is nothing that can be done once someone has been scammed." Leerkes revealed there are many scams circulating that affect residents of Essex County, including fraudulent texts from the New York State E-ZPass and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as romance scams, tech Support scams, lottery/sweepstake scams, and Grandparent Scams, among others. "By having our community aware of access to SilverShield, they will have the ability to screenshot a questionable text that they receive, forward an email that they are unsure about, or even text specifics about a phone call that they receive to get advice on the likelihood that this correspondence is a scam and will be provided follow up recommendations on how to react," Leerkes shared. "This knowledge and program will help equip our older adults to protect themselves from being victims of a scam." Leerkes said being proactive and ensuring that older adults and their caregivers have knowledge and awareness about the services and programs available is key to successful aging in place. "More times than not, our office is being contacted for services in reaction to a life event such as a medical diagnosis or hospital stay," she said. "Continuous community education helps make those in need of our services ahead of time so they know where to go when they need assistance." For questions or more information, please email Leerkes at krissy.leerkes@essexcountyny.gov , or call 518-873-3695. Learn more at www.SilverShield.ai Leerkes said after the initial 50 free licenses are used up, there will be a low monthly cost for anyone else who would like to purchase a license to have access to Silver Shield. "The Essex County Office for the Aging is continuously working with the New York State Office for the Aging and the Association on Aging in NY to bring new opportunities like Silver Shield to our community," remarked Leerkes. "By having older adults in our community signing up and reporting questionable calls, texts, or emails, will help us obtain the data to show the importance of this product in hopes to secure additional free licenses in the future."

Signup for our newsletter

New program helps seniors identify scams

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS