Resource and Events Calendar

Visit the Division of Consumer Protection at our new "office" hours with the BPS Parent Centers!

Whether you have questions about recent scams you've heard of, are looking for referral information or need assistance submitting a complaint to our office, we will be available to assist consumers from 2-4 pm. 

Today we will be at Bennett High School at 2885 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214.

Identity Theft & Credit

Let’s talk about ways to ensure your identity is protected, how to avoid identity theft and why you should review your credit report on a regular basis. Have you reviewed your credit report recently?

Instructor: Jennifer Andres, Director of Consumer Protection, Erie County Department of Public Advocacy

Call the Clarence Senior Center at 716-633-5138 to register.

National Report Government Contractor Fraud Day is a day designated to bring awareness to the issue of fraud committed by government contractors.

Resources:

Erie County Comptroller - Report Waste, Fraud or Abuse

Office of the New York State Comptroller - Fighting Public Corruption

U.S. Department of Commerce - Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, & Whistleblower Reprisal

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Fraud

U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Report Corruption, Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Mismanagement or Misconduct

U.S. Department of Justice - Whistleblower Rights and Protections 

U.S. Department of Treasury - Report Fraud or Misconduct Related to Government Contracts or Grants

U.S. Government Accountability Office - Report and Prevent Fraud

Visit the Division of Consumer Protection at our new "office" hours with the BPS Parent Centers!

Whether you have questions about recent scams you've heard of, are looking for referral information or need assistance submitting a complaint to our office, we will be available to assist consumers from 2-4 pm. 

Today we will be at South Park High School at 150 Southside Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14220.

The Erie County Division of Consumer Protection will be attending the Network in Aging of Western New York's Senior Health & Resource Fair on May 15th with the Department of Senior Services! Visit our table to discuss consumer protection-related issues, ask questions or for assistance with submitting a complaint to our office.

Network in Aging of WNY Hosts 3rd Annual Resource Fair on May 15

WHO: The Network in Aging of WNY

WHAT: Hosting its 3rd annual complimentary Senior Health and Resource Fair for members of the public and connecting seniors and caregivers to vital services provided by their member agencies. The event will feature over 70 different businesses and organizations that provide services ranging from home care to estate planning, downsizing to memory care and much more. Complimentary blood pressure and glucose screenings will also be available.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Ironworkers Banquet Hall – 196 Orchard Park Rd in West Seneca. Plenty of free parking available.

WHY: To share the valuable knowledge and extensive resources that the Network in Aging of WNY members bring to the local community. If you’re an active senior looking for resources to stay healthy and independent, or a caregiver in need of support, the fair has the information you need.

Every year, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other catastrophic events leave millions of Americans struggling to recover and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, these events also provide an opening for dishonest contractors looking to take advantage of homeowners. In 2023, U.S. insurers paid more than $92 billion in catastrophe losses, with upwards of 10 percent or $9.2 billion lost to post-disaster fraud. This fraud not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry.

The goal of the Contractor Fraud Awareness Week campaign is to educate homeowners and business owners on the signs of contractor fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim of deceptive contractors after a natural disaster.

This information was brought to you by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Resources:

Erie County Division of Consumer Protection - GENERAL BUSINESS LAW §771: New York State Home Improvement Contract Provisions

Federal Trade Commission - How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

FEMA - U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Beware of Fraud and Scam Artists

National Insurance Crime Bureau - Contractor Fraud Awareness Week

New York State Department of Financial Services - Beware of Home Repair Scams

Visit the Division of Consumer Protection at our new "office" hours with the BPS Parent Centers!

Whether you have questions about recent scams you've heard of, are looking for referral information or need assistance submitting a complaint to our office, we will be available to assist consumers from 2-4 pm. 

Today we will be at Lafayette High School at 370 Lafayette Ave, Buffalo, NY 14213.

Spot that Scam! By Being an Educated Consumer

What are some common scams? What are the red flags one should watch for to identify these scams? What tips will prevent you from becoming a victim?

Instructor: Jennifer Andres, Director of Consumer Protection, Erie County Department of Public Advocacy

Call the Clarence Senior Center at 716-633-5138 to register.

Visit the Division of Consumer Protection at our new "office" hours with the BPS Parent Centers!

Whether you have questions about recent scams you've heard of, are looking for referral information or need assistance submitting a complaint to our office, we will be available to assist consumers from 2-4 pm. 

Today we will be at East Community High School at 820 Northampton St, Buffalo, NY 14211.

Spot that Scam! By Being an Educated Consumer

What are some common scams? What are the red flags one should watch for to identify these scams? What tips will prevent you from becoming a victim?

Instructor: Jennifer Andres, Director of Consumer Protection, Erie County Department of Public Advocacy

Call the West Side Community Services at 716-884-6616 to register.

American Housing Month highlights the variety of housing options that consumers have and the role of banks in financing many of those options. For this month, our office would like to highlight Housing Scams to ensure that consumers do not fall victim to these types of scams and are educated on how to protect themselves.

Resources:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Do you know how to spot a rental assistance scam?

Federal Housing Finance Agency - Fraud Prevention Tips and Resources

Federal Trade Commission - Rental Listing Scams, How to spot hard-to-spot rental scams

New York State Division of Consumer Protection - Consumer Alert Series to Help New Yorkers Navigate Housing Scams; Rental Scams, First-Time Home Buyers, Home Improvements, Homeowner Scams, and Moving and Storage Scams.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Common Fraud Schemes, Scam Alert, and  Transnational Fraud Ring Impersonating U.S. Government Procurement Offices and Officials

June is Internet Safety Month which is a time for raising awareness about Internet safety and providing resources to keep kids safe online.

Resources:

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency - National Internet Safety Month: Together, we can make our K-12 schools cybersecure. It’s fundamental.

Federal Trade Commission - Online Privacy and Security, and Heads Up: Stop. Think. Connect.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) - Internet Safety Month

U.S. Department of Justice - Internet Safety

The Division of Consumer Protection will be present at this year's Elder Law Day! Elder Law Day is brought to you by The Department of Senior Services in partnership with the Center for Elder Law & Justice where representatives from community agencies and resources gather in one location to share information regarding topics that are important to older adults! 

Join us for ELDER LAW DAY on Wednesday, June 5th 2024 

Buffalo Niagara Marriott |  1340 Millersport Hwy  | Amherst NY

8:00am - 3:00pm

Elder Law Day in Amherst offers:

Legal Presentations by attorneys on issues important to older adults and their caregivers.

Consultations with an attorney, health insurance counselor, or case manager (must sign up for these 20-minute, private consultations when you register). ONE per household

Expert Advice from community agencies tabling throughout the event.

Registered guests receive coffee, pastries and a boxed lunch. 

FREE parking in lot

https://www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/elder-law-day-2024

Let’s talk about ways to ensure your identity is protected, how to avoid identity theft and what exactly goes into your credit score. Do you review your credit report on a regular basis? 

Identity Theft & Credit

Let’s talk about ways to ensure your identity is protected, how to avoid identity theft and why you should review your credit report on a regular basis. Have you reviewed your credit report recently?

Instructor: Jennifer Andres, Director of Consumer Protection, Erie County Department of Public Advocacy

Call the Elma Public Library at 716-652-2719 to register.          

Identity Theft & Credit

Let’s talk about ways to ensure your identity is protected, how to avoid identity theft and why you should review your credit report on a regular basis. Have you reviewed your credit report recently?

Instructor: Jennifer Andres, Director of Consumer Protection, Erie County Department of Public Advocacy

Call the Hamburg Senior Community Center at 716-646-0665 to register.