Seniors Become Consumer Scam Savvy

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Silver & Gold Senior Club kicked off the new year with an informative presentation about identity theft and consumer scams. The group welcomed Nicole McNamee-Wicks from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General to its luncheon meeting at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse on January 10th.

Ms. McNamee-Wicks educated twenty seniors about identity theft, how to protect one’s personal information and what to do if one’s identity is stolen. She indicated individuals should visit IdentityTheft.gov to report an identity theft occurrence and obtain a personal recovery plan.

Ms. McNamee-Wicks also highlighted the emerging threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it’s being exploited to make scams more convincing. She warned seniors to watch out for phishing attacks, family emergency scams and romance scams and shared some ways to protect oneself.

Silver & Gold seniors learned that the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging operates a toll-free Fraud Hotline 1-855-303-9470 where suspicious fraud activities can be reported. The Committee’s “Fighting Fraud” booklet is available at www.aging.senate.gov and educates consumers about common scams, red flags to watch for and tips to protect oneself against bad actors.

Area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse (137 Beechwood Road) M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2:00 PM. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.