Seniors are often targeted for identity theft, telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud, and home improvement rip-offs. And with so many seniors using the Internet, online scams are an increasing concern. 

That’s why Westchester County launched Senior Crime Busters, a proactive elder fraud and crime prevention program that teaches seniors how to recognize potential scams before they happen, and how to avoid becoming a victim in the first place.

The program, which received a 2009 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties, marked its first anniversary this week. So far, instructors have made 54 presentations to over 2,200 seniors throughout the county.

The program is ongoing, and is being offered to senior clubs, nutrition centers, senior centers, assisted living facilities, houses of worship, libraries and LCC sites. For more information or to arrange for a program call (914) 995-2190.     

“This initiative underscores our strong commitment to protecting seniors,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “We’re working hard to prevent seniors from being victimized by crime and financial exploitation.”

The effort brings together officials from law enforcement, social service agencies and non-profit organizations in Westchester to pool their resources and expertise when speaking to senior groups.  

Instructors visit senior centers, assisted living facilities, libraries, houses of worship, senior clubs and other locations to teach seniors about the most common scams, the techniques perpetrators commonly use, and who to alert if they identify a scam or are victimized. Seniors also learn how to protect their physical safety in situations such as shopping at the mall or walking in a neighborhood park.

Through such education, the county hopes seniors will learn how to avoid crimes before they occur.      

“We’re empowering seniors by providing them with information they can use to protect themselves in their daily lives,” said Gary Brown, director of the county’s Department of Consumer Protection. “Smart seniors are safe seniors.”

Senior Crime Busters is a project of the Westchester Elder Abuse Coalition of the Department of Senior Programs and Services, and includes the Departments of Consumer Protection, Social Services (DSS) and Public Safety, the Office for Women, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the Pace Women’s Justice Center and numerous other not-for-profit agencies.

Speakers for a Senior Crime Busters presentation go into the community in teams of two to present one-hour programs. One speaker talks about consumer and financial issues; the other, public safety issues.

"Promoting senior safety through education is a top priority of my office," said District Attorney Janet DiFiore. "Senior Crime Busters does just that, and we are proud to be partners in this very important program."

Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of Senior Programs and Services, said Senior Crime Busters is an important part of the Livable Community Connection (LCC) program, which is a network of nine sites throughout Westchester. Each site is headed by a coordinator who works with an advisory council and local task forces to develop senior friendly communities.

“Safety is a critical component of livable communities,” said Carpenter. “And Senior Crime Busters is helping seniors stay safe.” Carpenter said. “It’s a terrific and popular initiative.” 

“The program provides relevant information in an understandable and user-friendly format,” said Linda Schulz, LCC coordinator for the town of Greenburgh.  “The audiences are benefiting greatly from these presentations.”

For more information or to arrange for a program call (914) 995-2190.