Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Office of Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn have issued a warning about an uptick in imposter scams targeting individuals during the holiday season. These scams, where criminals pose as trusted individuals or organizations to steal money or personal information, have become a significant threat during this time of year.
The Federal Trade Commission reports that in 2023, Americans lost $752 million to business impersonation scams and $618 million to government impersonation scams.
“Scammers are particularly active during the holidays, preying on the goodwill and urgency of this time of year,” said County Executive Ed Day. “As a former police commander, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Common Imposter Scams
Residents should be aware of these common tactics used by scammers:
- Phony Family Emergencies: Criminals impersonate friends or family members in distress, requesting urgent financial help via gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payment apps.
- Fake Charities: Fraudsters pose as representatives of charitable organizations, soliciting donations.
- Government or Business Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be IRS agents, law enforcement, or utility company representatives, threatening consequences like arrest or service disconnection if payments are not made.
- Online Shopping Scams: Fake websites advertise holiday deals but fail to deliver the promised goods or services.
Tips to Avoid Scams
The Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection offers these guidelines to protect against imposter scams:
- Verify Caller Claims: If someone claims to be a relative or friend, ask questions only they would know.
- Avoid Unusual Payment Methods: Legitimate organizations will never demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Do not respond to or click links in unsolicited calls, emails, or texts. Instead, go directly to the organization’s official website.
- Shop Securely Online: Use websites with “https://” in the URL and research unfamiliar sellers before purchasing.
“Education is the best defense against these scams,” said Kimberly Von Ronn, Director of Consumer Protection. “If something feels off or too good to be true, take a step back and verify before responding.”
Reporting Scams
Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized by scams are encouraged to report the incidents to the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection by calling (845) 364-3901 or emailing CPLCAL@co.rockland.ny.us.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself and your loved ones from holiday scams.
4o