New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning New Yorkers about a sophisticated scam that can begin with a fake computer security alert. Scammers may convince victims that their computer or financial accounts have been compromised, pressure them into giving remote access to their computers, and then connect them with someone posing as a law enforcement officer or government investigator.
While Amherst Police have not received reports of this specific gold bar scam, seniors at the Amherst Senior Center say they are already seeing plenty of suspicious calls, messages and emails.
Scammers in this scheme may instruct victims to withdraw their savings and purchase gold bars or coins, the attorney general’s office says. In some cases a courier is sent to the victim’s home to collect the gold.
Cynthia Darone, a member of the Amherst Senior Center, says she has learned not to engage with suspicious callers: “I’m very busy. I’m on my way out. Thank you for calling. Goodbye.” Patricia Calandra, another senior, says scammers are becoming increasingly convincing: “I think that we can’t keep up with how savvy they have gotten.”
Protecting against scams
Education and vigilance are the tools the Amherst Senior Center emphasizes; the center regularly offers programs focused on helping older adults recognize scams and protect themselves. The Erie County Office for the Aging says Adult Protective Services can be reached at 716-585-6877.
The attorney general’s office recommends that people never give an unknown person remote access to their computer or move money because of an unsolicited phone call. If someone claims there is a problem with a bank account, officials advise hanging up and contacting the financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.
