Schuyler County Attorney Warns Seniors of Holiday Scams Targeting Older Adults (Common Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Them)

Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman is urging senior citizens to stay vigilant against a likely surge in scams during the holiday season, when fraudsters exploit seasonal generosity and family-focused emotions to target vulnerable older adults.

 "Scammers don't take a holiday break," Getman said. "They ramp up efforts when emotions run high, using the spirit of giving against us. Our seniors deserve to enjoy the season without fear."

According to Getman, scammers often prey on seniors' trust, isolation or limited familiarity with technology, with nationwide losses to elder fraud topping $3.4 billion in 2023 and continuing to rise

 Getman outlined several widespread tactics, drawing from federal data and state alerts:

• Grandparent Scams: Fraudsters pose as a distressed grandchild in trouble — such as arrested abroad or in an accident — urging immediate wire transfers or gift card purchases. They may use AI-generated voices for realism. To avoid: Hang up and call the relative directly using a known number. Never send money to unsolicited callers.
• Fake Charity Solicitations: Con artists impersonate legitimate nonprofits, often via phone or door-to-door, requesting donations for holiday causes. They pressure for quick payments via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or prepaid cards. To avoid: Verify charities through sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau before giving. Legitimate organizations don't demand instant payment over the phone.
• 
  Phony Online Shopping Deals: Bogus websites or social media ads offer steep discounts on popular gifts, stealing credit card info or delivering nothing. Lookalike stores mimic trusted retailers. To avoid: Shop only on secure, familiar sites with "https://" and check reviews. Use credit cards for purchases, which offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
• Government Impersonation Frauds: Callers claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security or Medicare demand payment for fabricated "issues," like unpaid taxes or benefit updates, often tied to holiday "relief" programs. To avoid: Government agencies never request payment via gift cards or wire. Contact them directly through official channels.
• Tech Support or Gift Card Scams: Pop-up alerts or calls warn of computer viruses, directing seniors to buy gift cards for "fixes," or twist holiday shopping into "secret shopper" gigs requiring card purchases. To avoid: Don't click unsolicited links or share codes. Legitimate support comes from you initiating contact.
• Fake Delivery Notifications:  Scammers send emails or texts claiming a package is delayed, often with a link to pay a fee or provide personal information. To avoid: Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process.

Getman emphasized simple safeguards to avoid scams:

• ·         Be particularly vigilant on social media during the holiday season.
• ·         If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
• ·         Discuss potential scams with family.
• ·         Resist high-pressure tactics.
• ·         Report suspicions immediately. 

Getman urges those who believe they are victims of a scam to contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at 607-535-8222 or in an emergency dial 911. Outside of Schuyler County, complaints can be filed with any local law enforcement agency or the New York State Consumer Frauds Bureau by calling 1-800-771-7755.

 "Education is our best defense — let's arm our seniors with knowledge,” he said.

For additional resources to protect rights and property, please visit the county attorney’s website at: https://www.schuylercounty.us/1154/Free-Publications-to-Protect-Your-Rights

Schuyler County Files 2025 List Of Delinquent Property Taxes; Announces Help For Property Owners

As required by New York State Real Property Tax Law, Schuyler County officials have filed the List of Delinquent Taxes for 2025, identifying parcels that have been subject to delinquent tax liens held and owned by the County of Schuyler since Jan. 1 of this year.    And county officials want taxpayers and homeowners to know there are ways to avoid losing their property.

“Property owners with delinquent taxes are urged to act promptly to avoid additional penalties, interest, or even loss of your real property,” County Treasurer Holley Sokolowski said. We offer a number of options and want to avoid people losing their homes whenever possible.”

According to County Attorney Steven Getman, the redemption period for delinquent taxes is 18 months. During this time, the Treasurer’s Office and County Attorney’s Office will review public records and attempt to collect amounts due without resorting to foreclosure.

“Throughout the process, the county works with eligible property owners to prevent foreclosure through installment agreements, referral to legal services, buy-back options, and public notices,” Getman said.

At the conclusion of the redemption period, the county will file and serve a Notice and Petition for Tax Foreclosure on any remaining delinquent properties. Approximately six months later, the court will issue its final judgment of foreclosure, and the county will proceed to a public tax auction.

This year’s list is available for public review on the county website at www.schuylercounty.us, and on file with the Schuyler County Clerk and online at the New York State Court System (NYSCEF) (https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef).

Sokolowski said the Treasurer’s Office offers several options to assist eligible property owners:

• Installment agreements: Monthly payment plans to divide tax payments into manageable amounts.

• Redemption period: Property owners may redeem their property by paying all delinquent taxes, interest, and fees before the expiration of the redemption period, typically in February of the following year.

• Surplus funds: In the event of a tax foreclosure sale, former owners may be eligible to claim surplus funds.

Getman noted that several resources are available for property owners seeking legal help:

• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. – Free legal aid for eligible low-income residents. Visit www.lawny.org.

• New York State Courts “CourtHelp” can help you when you don’t have a lawyer: https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/.

• New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Call 1-800-342-3661 to locate a qualified local attorney.

“It’s the job of the county to collect taxes, but the main focus here is keeping people on their property and in their homes,” Getman said.

Sokolowski serves as Schuyler County’s chief fiscal officer and enforcement officer for unpaid property tax liens. Getman serves as the county’s chief legal advisor and represents the county in civil actions, including tax matters.

Schuyler County Offers Free Emergency Preparedness Training

Schuyler County officials are inviting county residents to sign up for a free class to learn about preparing for emergencies. The New York Citizen Preparedness Training Program will be held at the Schuyler County Human Services

Complex, Room 120, in Montour Falls, NY, on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:00 p.m.

This program is designed for county residents who may benefit from learning more about preparing for extreme weather and other emergencies. It is offered by Schuyler County in conjunction with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Citizens Preparedness Corps.

With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions.

The training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit.

Registration is required to attend. Residents can sign up here.

Second Amendment Legal Update, November 25

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.