SCHENECTADY, NY—The Schenectady Police Department has reported a surge in scams aimed at seniors over the past month. Victims are typically contacted via computer, being misled either about owing money to resolve an issue or having won a vehicle, with taxes to be paid before receipt.

In these scams, victims are often instructed to either withdraw money and deposit it into a specified account, purchase prepaid gift cards, or buy valuable items like gold. All reported victims are older adults, highlighting a targeted scamming approach.

Due to the complex nature of these online and phone scams, often orchestrated from beyond the Capital District, they present significant investigative challenges. The department emphasizes prevention as the primary defense against such scams.

To aid the community, the Schenectady Police offer free educational booklets titled “Money Smart for Older Adults” at their front desk, courtesy of the FDIC and the Bureau of Consumer and Financial Protection. They also share crucial tips for personal protection:

• Never email financial information.
• Exercise caution with email attachments and downloads.
• Do not engage with suspicious communications.
• Verify caller authenticity beyond caller ID.
• Recognize that you cannot win a contest you did not enter.
• Understand that legitimate businesses do not demand payment via gift cards or similar means.