Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in New York

I. Overview: New York’s Senior Population & Key Cities

State of New York

New York State is home to a diverse and aging population. As of 2024, the state’s total population is approximately 19.5 million, with an estimated 3.4 million residents aged 65 and older — making up 17.4% of the state’s population. Many live in high-density urban and suburban areas where online scams and financial exploitation are a growing threat.

New York’s top three cities by population, and leading zones for elder-focused fraud complaints, are:

  • New York City (approx. 8.5 million people)
  • Buffalo (approx. 275,000 people)
  • Rochester (approx. 210,000 people)

Older adults in these regions face increasing risks from phishing, tech support scams, romance fraud, fake investment offers, and Medicare-related identity theft.

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted New York’s Seniors

In 2024, New York had 6,225 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $257,658,301.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$73,743,683
Tech Support$45,969,834
Government Impersonation$14,771,954
Romance$21,113,070

III. Emergency & Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Financial Crimes & Elder Units

1. NYPD – Financial Crimes Task Force (New York City)

  • Phone: (646) 610-5000 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.nyc.gov/nypd
  • Tip: Request connection to Financial Crimes or Special Victims Division for elder abuse.

2. Buffalo Police Department – Fraud Unit

  • Phone: (716) 851-4444 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.buffalony.gov
  • Ask for Economic Crimes or Senior Services Unit.

3. Rochester Police Department – Elder Abuse Resources

  • Phone: (585) 428-6720 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.cityofrochester.gov/rpd
  • Request to report elder fraud or suspicious financial activity.

 FBI & Federal Reporting Resources

FBI New York Field Office

  • Phone: (212) 384-1000
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/newyork

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • Use to report elder-targeted cyber frauds including phishing, impersonation, and investment scams.

New York Attorney General – Elder Fraud & Abuse

Office of the NYS Attorney General – Elder Abuse Bureau

  • Elder Hotline: (800) 771-7755
  • Website: www.ag.ny.gov/elder-abuse

Services include:

  • Investigation of elder fraud and identity theft
  • Coordination with local law enforcement
  • Victim services and legal guidance

 Additional Elder Protection Services

New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)

  • Help Line: (800) 342-9871
  • Website: www.aging.ny.gov
  • Connects older adults and caregivers with local programs, fraud protection tools, and APS.

Adult Protective Services (APS) – NY State

  • Contact through local county Department of Social Services
  • General Information: www.ocfs.ny.gov/main/psa
  • Call 311 in NYC or your local social services office statewide.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) – New York

  • Phone: (800) 333-4374
  • Website: www.nysenior.org
  • Helps detect and prevent Medicare fraud, billing scams, and benefit abuse.

NYC Department for the Aging – Elder Abuse & Fraud Services

  • Phone: (212) 244-6469
  • Website: www.nyc.gov/aging

 Protect Yourself and Others

  • Seniors in New York State report tens of thousands of fraud incidents annually — most go unreported.
  • Save these numbers or print and share them with a trusted friend or caregiver.
  • Stay informed about common scams by visiting our Education Center.
  • If something feels wrong — call. Report. Speak up. You are not alone.
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