Senior citizen cybercrime prevention training event scheduled for next week

Senior citizens can learn how to avoid falling victim to cyber crimes during a training next week at the Riverhead and Southold senior centers.

The offices of Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski and District Attorney Ray Tierney have collaborated to host the senior cybercrime prevention training event on Wednesday, June 7. The event will be held at the Riverhead Senior Center on Shade Tree Lane in Aquebogue starting at 10 a.m. and at the Southold Senior Center on Pacific Street in Mattituck starting at 1 p.m..

More than 88,000 senior citizens fell victim to internet fraud last year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s “Elder Fraud Report.” Incidents include fraudsters impersonating tech and customer support personnel, impersonating government personnel, non-payment and non-delivery, and identity theft.  The total losses suffered by these victims totaled over $3 billion and represents an 84% increase in the amount lost to fraud compared to 2021, according to the report. 

In April, Tierney’s office was able to recover $140,000 on behalf of an elderly victim who received a phone scam call from an individual purporting to be from her bank. Anyone who believes they may be the victim of a scam call or any other kind of financial fraud can call the Suffolk County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit at 631-852-6821.

The presentation will be hosted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Burke, according to a press release issued by Krupski. The New York Statewide Senior Action Center will also be in attendance to discuss their programs and have a table outside of both seminars. The Riverhead Chamber of Commerce and Island Federal Credit Union will be on hand during the presentation in Aquebogue to discuss programs that they have in order to combat fraud.