On September 20, 2024, New Windsor Police Sergeant, Hannah Lake, gave a presentation to the New Windsor Senior Citizens Club. The presentation provided information on types of fraud, many of which are specifically targeted at seniors. The topics covered included government impersonators, grandparent, romance, home improvement, solicitor and gift card scams.

To help further prevent gift card scams, Sergeant Lake also spoke with managers/employees of the stores in town that sell gift cards. The merchants were informed of indicators to be aware of and were advised to contact law enforcement and intervene, when possible.

The New Windsor Police Department, along with other agencies throughout the country, have seen an increase in fraudulent schemes affecting senior citizens. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Sergeant Lake suggests following these tips:

- Do not provide sensitive information over the phone. Sensitive information includes your Social Security number, credit card information, banking information, and passwords.

- Do not use gift cards as a form of payment - legitimate organizations will not accept this as payment.

- If someone calls, representing themselves as a law enforcement agency, and directs you to bail a family member/friend out, it is probably a scam.

- If you receive a call regarding unpaid taxes, a loan you owe money on, etc. and are being directed to withdraw cash and remain at your house to await a courier, or to send the money via mail, or wire transfer, it is probably a scam.

- Use diligence when someone asks you not to tell anyone that you are sending money/withdrawing money – that could be an indicator of a scam.

If you believe you may be in contact with someone who is attempting to defraud you, cease contact and call the Town of New Windsor Police Department at (845)565-7000.