New York, in collaboration with a non-profit center for elder abuse prevention, has launched a toll-free hotline for seniors. The toll-free number broadcasts a monthly message that informs people about ways to stay safe, maximize their independence and improve their everyday lives. The first monthly message is about telemarketing fraud.
There are a number of different telemarketing schemes that have made their way through the area and left seniors unable to recoup the money they’ve lost, so this is a great idea.
Earlier this year, one of the more popular telemarketing schemes involved a younger man posing as a grandson. The caller(s) claimed to be a “favorite grandson” and told the elderly person they needed money to get out of jail, and gave instructions on how to get it to them. The caller(s) also instructed the elderly person not to tell the grandson’s parents.
This can end up costing seniors a lot of money and proves to be pretty embarrassing for the elderly person.
Seniors can access the line by dialing 1-800-503-9000. All information will be available in English and Spanish. A new topic will be added monthly. The message can also be read and listened to online at nysconsumer.gov/informing/senior_information_line/default.htm. The monthly message instructs people on how to sign up for the Do Not Call registry by visiting www.donotcall.gov.
The New York State Consumer Protection Board, the State Office for the Aging, and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale launched the information line in October.
