Learn the basics (2)
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Do you need help paying your heating bill?
This pamphlet provides information on resources in Ulster County that can help you if you are having a hard timing paying your heating bill. Content Detail
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Fraud Against Seniors
The FBI’s Common Fraud Schemes webpage provides tips on how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud. Content Detail
Complaints against a business (1)
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Smart Shopping-How to Complain Effectively
This article provides useful information on what to do if you have a problem with a business and how to effectively complain. Content Detail
Identity theft and fraud (7)
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Discount Cards are not Health Insurance!
This resource provides a warning to all residents who have purchased or have considered purchasing "discount cards" that are marketed as if they are health insurance plans. The advertisements for discount plans appear everywhere – on telephone poles, in elevators, on unsolicited faxes and in spam e-mails. They all boast low monthly rates and provide a contact number for information. Unfortunately, if additional details are provided, they do not always tell the full story. Read More
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Fraud Against Seniors
The FBI’s Common Fraud Schemes webpage provides tips on how you can protect yourself and your family from fraud. Content Detail
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How to Report Medicare Fraud
This resource provides an overview of steps you can take to report Medicare fraud. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Identity Theft
This resource provides facts about identity theft and how you can recognize the signs if you suspect that you have become a victim of this. Read More
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Just Say No! to Senior Scams
This resource explains what Seniors must be on the look out for in order to avoid scams. Read More
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Protecting Older Americans From Telemarketing Scams: A Quick Guide for Advocates
This article provides a list of common telemarketing scams as well as provides practical steps to prevent or remedy telemarketing fraud. Read More
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U.S. Postal Inspection Service
If your mail is stolen or if a criminal has fraudulently changed your address, you can contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and report the theft to your local postal inspector. Content Detail
I am planning a funeral (2)
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A Consumer's Guide to Arranging a Funeral
This link will take you to a page on the NY Department of Health website written to help you find helpful information and learn about your rights if you are planning a funeral. Content Detail
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Paying Final Respects: Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods And Services
This resource provides valuable information when purchasing funeral goods and services. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
I am considering a reverse mortgage (1)
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Reverse Mortgages
Read this resource to learn about reverse mortgages, borrowing money against your home, and reverse mortgage scams. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Understanding your credit (3)
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Reading Your Credit Report
This fact sheet helps you understand the information on your credit report. Content Detail
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Sample Follow Up Letter
Use this sample letter if the credit reporting agency does not respond to your dispute letter within thirty days. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Understanding Credit Scores
Tips on how to understand your credit scores and how to improve it. Content Detail
Financial rights (2)
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AARP Video: Understanding 401(k) Fees
This video from the AARP provides tips on how to choose a 401(k) plan. Choosing a plan with high fees can reduce your retirement savings by thousands of dollars over time - watch this video to find out how to avoid high fees. Content Detail
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Seniors' Know Your Financial Rights Guide
This booklet covers issues such as basic banking accounts, identity theft, the Do-Not-Call Registry, and predatory mortgage lending. Content Detail
What should I do about debt collectors? (1)
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Sample Cease Letter
Are debt collectors constantly calling you? Do you feel harassed by these calls? You can stop debt collection calls by sending a "cease letter" to the debt collector stating that you want them to stop contacting you. Here is an easy-to-use sample letter that you can type into directly or that you can print and fill out by hand. Content Detail
What should I do about problems with my utilities? (4)
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Can my utilities be shut off?
Find out when and why your utilities can be shut off and when they cannot be, according to New York State Law. This resource is designed for residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Do you need help paying your heating bill?
This pamphlet provides information on resources in Ulster County that can help you if you are having a hard timing paying your heating bill. Content Detail
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How To Help Older Americans Avoid Loss Of Utility Services
This article provides tips on how to prevent the loss of utility services for seniors. Read More
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PSC Programs and Protections for Senior Citizens
As an elderly utility customer in New York State, you are protected by special rules enforced by the Public Service Commission. These rules apply to gas, electric, steam and telephone companies and give you specific rights in many areas. For example, if you are on a fixed income and have wondered if you could change the billing date for a utility bill so that it arrives after you receive your monthly check -- the answer is YES. Many more protections are available to you. The information you are about to read will tell you everything you always wanted to know about your utility rights. Content Detail
