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Showing posts with label fraud_alert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fraud_alert. Show all posts

Monday, March 8, 2010

The 2010 Census

How to Protect Your Identity from Scammers and Make Yourself Count

http://www.nysconsumer.gov/think_privacy_monthly/mar_2010.htm

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fradulent H1N1 Products

The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has provided information to alert consumers about websites that are illegally marketing unapproved, uncleared or unauthorized products related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu.  I wanted to make you aware that this link will be added to the NY EDEN website, but you may also wish to place it on your website.

The link to the FDA site is:  http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/h1n1flu/

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Scam Alert #2

ALERT: Chimney Scam Targets Seniors in Southern NY

There has been a new scam developing in the southern counties of New York State. The county consumer affairs departments have been plagued by unscrupulous chimney companies. These companies advertise that they will clean your chimney for a very nominal cost, $39.95 or $49.95. When they arrive at your home they will soon inform you that you need a chimney liner which generally costs about $1500.00. Sales pressure tactics are extreme to the point where residents have been told that they are fortunate that no fire has occurred or carbon monoxide fumes have entered the home with grave consequences. For more information call 1-800-771-7755.

Source: http://www.aging.ny.gov/News/Newsletters/2008/08November-7.cfm


For more valuable information, visit the New York State Office for the Aging website at: http://www.aging.ny.gov/

Monday, January 5, 2009

FBI Fraud Alert

The FBI has identified elder fraud and fraud against those suffering from serious illness as the most insidious of white collar crimes being perpetrated by today's modern and high tech con-man. Many elderly citizens rely on pensions, social security and life savings to support themselves. The seriously ill and their families are desperate to find some glimmer of hope. The losses inflicted by these unscrupulous con-men and their organizations are both financially and emotionally devastating to these victims.

When it comes to products that promise increased cognitive function, virility, physical conditioning, properties and so on, those with Parkinson's disease make up the segment of the population very concerned about these issues. In a country where new cures and vaccinations for old diseases has given every American hope for a long and fruitful life, it is not so unbelievable that the products offered by these con-men can do what they say they can do.

Those suffering from Parkinson's disease and other serious illnesses are targeted for one simple reason. The con-man knows that many of these individuals are desperate to find some reason to believe that a "miracle cure" exists. These people, many of whom are elderly but some who are not, are willing to pay whatever price is asked and subject themselves to whatever risk is required to gain an advantage over their disease. Regrettably, in most cases, it is the con-man taking advantage of these individuals. In addition to the financial loss, these patients often lose valuable time away from conventional medical treatment which could have resulted in a higher quality of life and/or prolonged life. The FBI has identified several instances where dietary and nutritional supplements promise curative effects have been utilized to defraud American citizens. The FBI has been involved in several investigations concerning "miracle cures" in which the bureau has joined forces and shared resources with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and others.

Their best advise is, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Always discuss treatments with you doctor."

For more information: FBI Web Site