Modified: October 19, 2018 1:35pm
Created: October 19, 2018 1:35pm
October 19, 2018
Consumer advocate program educates seniors on dangers of scams, prevents victimization
During the popular West Seneca Senior Center Health Fair, Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. provided his “Senior Fraud Protection Program” to the many seniors that attended. The event allowed taxpayers to discuss concerns they may have and to pick up an information booklet that they can reference at any time to help protect against being victimized by a scammer. Comptroller Mychajliw also provided information about the Whistleblower Hotline where taxpayers can report waste, fraud or abuse of county resources.
“It is frustrates and saddens me when I talk with seniors about how often unscrupulous scum tries to scam them. Sadly, some of these lowlifes that prey on the most vulnerable are relentless. Unfortunately they sometimes rip off vulnerable seniors to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. I am working closely with the West Seneca Senior Center and law enforcement to continue to provide seniors with the information they need to prevent being a victim. The ‘Senior Fraud Protection Program’ is an outreach that I formed to help seniors. I talk to folks about what to look for in a scam and how to protect themselves. This is critical to stopping scammers from preying on seniors,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.
The Senior Fraud Protection Program covers the Top 10 scams:
- Medicare/Health Insurance
- Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
- Funeral & Cemetery Products
- Fraudulent Personal Products
- Telemarketing & Computer Fraud
- Investment Schemes
- Homeowner/Contractor Scams
- Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
- The Grandparent Scam
This program is available to all seniors throughout Erie County. If any group, church organization, social club, service group, etc. would like to host Comptroller Mychajliw for a presentation, please contact his office at 858-8400 or email comptroller@erie.gov. To contact the Whistleblower Hotline, call 858-7722 or email whistleblower@erie.gov.
Comptroller Mychajliw also visited Vietnam Veteran Jim Manley during the Health Fair. Mr. Manley was working a booth on behalf of the West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee. He was selling engraved bricks to honor veterans. The customized bricks are installed in the “Walkway of Freedom” near Veterans Memorial Park. The four-by-eight inch sized bricks are on sale until February 15th, 2019. Those interested in honoring a loved one that served can email Mr. Manley directly at: wsvets1@gmail.com.