Write a commentTwo scams have recently been identified which target residents of Oswego County and should be reported to authorities immediately if experienced.
SCAM #1: Robocall Scam Targets Older New Yorkers
The Oswego County Office for the Aging is warning residents of a new robocall scam that attempts to lure older New Yorkers into providing their personal information over the phone. The voice on the robocall identifies itself as the New York State Office for the Aging and asks the individual answering the phone to press a button if someone in the home is over 65 and would be interested in receiving a free Medic Alert pin and $3,000 in coupons for food or other items.
“This is a scam,” said Sara Sunday, Aging Services Administrator for the Oswego County Office for the Aging. “The New York State Office for the Aging does not give away items, money or coupons and will never solicit personal information over the phone.”
Residents who receive a similar call are advised to hang up immediately. Reports of financial scams should be reported to the Consumer Protection Division of the NYS Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755, the NYS Department of Financial Services at 1-800-697-1220 or the NYS Department of State (518) 474-8583.
SCAM #2: Oswego County Tourism Office Reports Possible Advertising Scam
The Oswego County Tourism Office has been notified that an out-of-state publishing company is soliciting advertisements for an Oswego County Visitor Guide.
Dave Turner, Director of the Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning, said his office is not currently soliciting advertising for its visitor guide, and that any legitimate advertisement solicitations for Oswego County’s official visitors guide would come directly from the tourism office staff and not through a third-party vendor.
“We have been notified by at least three local businesses that they were contacted by a representative of Loyalty Publishing or their subsidiary, Skyline Publishing to purchase advertising in an Oswego County Visitor Guide,” said Turner. “Upon investigation we found many consumer complaints with the Better Business Bureau, the Illinois Attorney General's Office and other consumer publications for both Loyalty Publishing and their subsidiary, Skyline Publishing. Our office has notified our tourism partners and contacted the New York State Attorney General’s Office in Syracuse to make them aware of the solicitations.”
Oswego County businesses who have questions may contact the Attorney General’s Office at 448-4848.
