Scammers continue to target elderly New Yorkers — but they can be stopped

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the guilty plea of Bronx-based Social Security Administration employee Victor Anthony Valdez on Dec. 4 for participating in scams against elderly New Yorkers and New Jerseyans. The scheme itself was run out from the Dominican Republic, where call centers would pose as the victims’ grandchildren in distress (or a representative of the grandchild, such as an attorney) and beg for money. The American-based Valdez allegedly would then pick up the cash of those duped.

“The defendant admitted today to his role in a scam targeting vulnerable seniors,” said U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger for the District of New Jersey in a statement. “The defendant and his co-conspirators took advantage of grandparents’ love and concern for their grandchildren they believed to be in trouble, convincing them to pay thousands of dollars.”

The practice is known as a “grandparent scam.” Victims are often told their grandchildren were arrested and jailed, and pressured into transferring money either through a courier like Valdez or by gift card codes.

How can older New Yorkers protect themselves from such scams? Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez pointed to her agency’s Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center (ECVRC) and Elder Justice network, which connects victims to law enforcement and case consultations.

“During this holiday season, it’s especially important to stay vigilant against potential scams,” said Cortés-Vázquez over email. “If you do become a victim, remember you are not alone and help is available. To avoid becoming a victim, older adults should always verify who they are speaking with by either asking questions only a family member could answer, or contact[ing] them directly.

“Also, avoid transferring money or buying gift cards. New Yorkers who may have become a victim, or know someone who has, can reach ECVRC or the Elder Justice network by calling Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469).”

To prevent these scams, the Department of Aging advises telling grandparents to verify callers’ identity by asking questions only a grandchild could know, along with keeping social media accounts private and refusing to volunteer personal information to strangers.

An NYPD spokesperson pointed to police resources advising elderly victims to reach out to their local precinct’s crime prevention officer, who can double as an “older adult liaison.” Every NYCHA development has an older adult liaison as well. All in all, 37,481 police officers are trained to recognize elder abuse, according to the Department of Aging.

The NYPD also advised caution about other phone scams. Fraudsters may pose as utility companies, hospitals, or government agencies like Immigration or the I.R.S. To be clear, utility companies do not cut off services over the phone and bill statements are initiated by the customer, not the provider.

Scammers will often name family members or provide vital information to make the call sound real. Regardless, the NYPD advises not to purchase any gift cards to pay over the phone.

On a federal level, financial fraud against individuals 60 years and older can be reported to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) during the week between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.