Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Office of Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn have issued a critical warning to residents about a surge in imposter scams during the holiday season. These scams, where criminals impersonate trusted individuals or organizations to steal money or personal information, are becoming increasingly common.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims of business impersonation scams lost an estimated $752 million in 2023, while government impersonation scams accounted for $618 million in losses.
“Scammers are especially active during the holidays, exploiting the goodwill and urgency of the season,” said County Executive Ed Day. “As a former police commander, I strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
Common Types of Imposter Scams
- Phony Family Emergencies: Fraudsters pose as relatives or friends in distress, requesting immediate financial help via gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payment apps.
- Fake Charities: Scammers claim to represent charitable organizations, asking for donations that never reach those in need.
- Government or Business Impersonation: Imposters pretend to be IRS agents, law enforcement officers, or utility company representatives, threatening severe consequences if payments are not made.
- Online Shopping Scams: Fraudulent websites offer holiday deals but fail to deliver goods or services.
Tips to Protect Yourself
The Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection provides the following advice to guard against imposter scams:
- Verify Claims: If someone claims to be a family member or friend, ask questions only they would know the answers to.
- Be Payment-Savvy: Legitimate organizations will never request payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
- Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Messages: Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages; instead, navigate to official websites directly.
- Shop Smart: Use secure websites with “https://” in the URL and avoid unfamiliar sellers.
“Education is the most powerful tool to combat these scams,” said Kimberly Von Ronn, Director of Consumer Protection. “If something feels suspicious or too good to be true, take a moment to step back and verify before taking any action.”
Reporting Scams
Residents who suspect they have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam are urged to report it to authorities or contact the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection at (845) 364-3901 or via email at CPLCAL@co.rockland.ny.us.
As the holiday season continues, vigilance and awareness remain the best defenses against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
