***Special Announcements***

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Justice Department Warns About Fake Post-Vaccine Survey Scams

The Department of Justice has received reports that fraudsters are creating fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine surveys for consumers to fill out with the promise of a prize or cash at the conclusion of the survey. In reality, the surveys are used to steal money from consumers and unlawfully capture consumers’ personal information.

Consumers receive the surveys via email and text message, and are told that, as a gift for filling out the survey, they can choose from various free prizes, such as an iPad Pro. The messages claim that the consumers need only pay shipping and handling fees to receive their prize. Victims provide their credit card information and are charged for shipping and handling fees, but never receive the promised prize. Victims also are exposing their personally identifiable information (PII) to scammers, thereby increasing the probability of identity theft.

Unless from a known and verified source, consumers should never click on links in text messages or emails claiming to be a vaccine survey.

Schemes that use links embedded in unsolicited text messages and emails in attempts to obtain personally identifiable information are commonly referred to as phishing schemes. Phishing messages may look like they come from government agencies, financial intuitions, shipping companies, and social media companies, among many others. Carefully examine any message purporting to be from a company and do not click on a link in an unsolicited email or text message. Remember that companies generally do not contact you to ask for your username or password. When in doubt, contact the entity purportedly sending you the message, but do not rely on any contact information in the potentially fraudulent message. 

If you receive a text message or email claiming to be a COVID-19 vaccine survey and containing a link or other contact information, please report the communication to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. Intellectual property crimes such as these also may be reported to federal law enforcement at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) at http://www.IPRCenter.gov.

If you believe you may have entered information into a fraudulent website, you can find resources on how to protect your information at: www.identitytheft.gov.

To learn more about identifying and protecting yourself from phishing attempts, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams or https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/spoofing-and-phishing.

Further information about major scams targeting American consumers can be found at the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force.

This alert is provided by the IPR Center and the Consumer Protection Branch of the department’s Civil Division.

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch..

COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION

COVID-19 VACCINE

We are happy that so many people are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The vaccine is very scarce at this point in time, most appointments are booked but we do expect the vaccine to be more readily available in  the coming weeks. 

Please be patient, and don’t worry you will eventually get your vaccination but it may take up to 14 weeks. In the meantime, you should continue to wear a mask, social distance and avoid large and small gatherings.

New York State is coordinating vaccine distribution.  New York State is administering a website whereby individuals in the approved categories can schedule and sign up for their own individual appointment time. Appointments are very limited and many sites are filled up through March but you should check back frequently. 

The Office for the Aging is not administering vaccines and we are not keeping waiting lists. Our role is to direct you to the appropriate resources available.  WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THE NEW YORK STATE ONLINE TOOL TO FIND A LOCATION AND REGISTER: 

https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

As per the New York State COVID-19 website:

As of January 11, 2021, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b are eligible for the vaccines. ALL VACCINATIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers. Residents and staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will continue to be vaccinated through a federal program, which the state is providing resources to accelerate. 

Beginning February 15, 2021 adults of any age with comorbidities are eligible for the vaccine. 

• Health care workers who are part of Phase 1a will continue to be vaccinated at hospitals and other clinical settings.
• People age 65 and over will primarily be vaccinated at pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network.” Use the NYS online tool https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/  to find a location. The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7AM - 10PM, 7 days a week, for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
• Public employees (for example, police departments, public school teachers and MTA employees) will primarily be vaccinated through their groups’ relevant health programs or as organized by their unions. 
• Adults of any age with these conditions:: 
  1. Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
  2. Chronic kidney disease
  3. Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
  4. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
  5. Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
  6. Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
  7. Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2), Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
  8. Pregnancy
  9. Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
  10. Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus 
  11. Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
  12. Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer's Disease or dementia
  13. Liver disease
• 
  

  • The list is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as New York State obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.

For more information,

https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

You may be able to schedule an appointment at a local vaccination site through one of the links below:

County Public Health Departments

Ontario County https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/101/Public-Health

Seneca County https://senecacountyhealthdepartment.com/

Finger Lakes Health https://www.flhealth.org/

Pharmacies: Please note that many of the pharmacies do not have their allotment of vaccine yet.  Check the websites of these pharmacies:

CVS

Kinney Drugs

Rite Aid

Tops Markets

Walgreens

Wegmans

If your primary care doctor is in the UR Medicine System they will be calling their patients in the coming weeks to schedule the vaccine, as it becomes available to them. 

Community-Wide "Drive Thru" Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Spring 2021 Schedule

Spring/Summer Schedule (May and June) 2021

How to Use Medicare Plan Finder Step by Step

Social Security Announces 1.3% Benefit Increase for 2021

 Twitter Social 

CURRENT SENIOR NEWSBEAT NEWSLETTER

Need Help? 

NY Connects Helpline - Call 585-396-4047 for help connecting to all kinds of resources. If you have a question or problem, call us.

Home Delivered Meals: If you  are age 60 or older call for an assessment to receive  either hot or frozen meal  from our Meals on Wheels program.  Our Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks and gloves while delivering your meal. They are also practicing social distancing.

Congregate Meals (Community Dining Program): This program is closed until further notice. We have opened  Grab n Go sites at the Spa Apartments in Clifton Springs and  Lyceum Heights in Geneva. However, you must be a resident of those apartment buildings to participate.  We also have a Grab n Go site in Honeoye at the United Church of Christ on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call to reserve a meal. Former participants of our congregate meal sites can get a home delivered meal, if they desire.

Health Insurance Counseling:  We are still providing health insurance counseling on Medicare, Medicare supplement or Advantage plans, Medicaid, MSP over the telephone or over the web.

Medicare 101 Workshops: Are being offered by webinar or telephone conference, call the office for more information. We also started in-person workshops with social distancing. 

EISEP: Home care services for middle income older adult and case management is still available. A comprehensive assessment is conducted over the telephone. This service is for frail older adults struggling to perform activities of daily living. A financial assessment is also required as there may be a cost share required for the home care services.

Caregiver counseling and support are still being offered by phone. There are many on-line services available from the Alzheimer’s Association or the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute for caregivers of those with dementia. Call NY Connects for information. We also have respite services for those caring for older adults. 

Tai Chi: We are offering a class on-line through Zoom. Call to register for a class .

Other Resources

Find a COVID Testing Site Near you

Emotional Support Line Helpline 1-844-863-9314 - The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) opened this Helpline to assist New Yorkers who are overwhelmed by the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating chaos in the lives of so many people, it is especially important to  know that the Helpline is here to provide assistance, referrals to services, and a person you can talk to if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

Know the Symptoms

 The CDC has updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms. The updated list of symptoms includes cough, shortness of breath, or at least two of the following:

• fever
• chills or repeated shaking with chills
• muscle pain
• headache
• sore throat
• new loss of taste or smell

Guidance on Face Masks

Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials are recommended. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.

When wearing cloth face coverings:

Wear it whenever you go out in  public

Make sure that it fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth

Change it frequently and launder it when soiled or wet

Do not become complacent with other protective measures

Do not touch the cloth covering or your face

Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing by using soap           and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.

 Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes

 Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks

 Stay home and help flatten the curve!

Legal Assistance of Western New York

Open Food Pantries COVID-19 Emergency

Grocery Delivery Fact Sheet

Pharmacy Delivery Fact Sheet

How to Use Instacart Tutorial

 Social Security Newsletter

Got an Hour?

 Call Tammy, Volunteer Coordinator

 for volunteering opportunities!

 585-396-4046

The Fraud Corner

New York State Office for the Aging Issues Guidance Against Government Grant Scams

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

COVID-19 SCAMS

COVID-19 CONSUMER TIP SHEET

For the most recent and up to date news on fraudulent activities, please visit our Scam Alerts page.

How Do I Get Help?

By calling NY Connects or Office for the Aging at 585-396-4040 or 315-781-1321.

New York Connects, a "single Point of Entry" for long-term care services, is a program of the Ontario County Office for the Aging.

It offers a "one-stop shop" for consumers attempting to navigate the many aspects of the long-term care system.

Telephone interpreter