Scammers often impersonate the IRS during tax season, and new rules about electronic refunds may create opportunities for fraud. If someone claiming to be the IRS asks for urgent payment or personal information, it’s likely a scam.
Learn the warning signs:
www.irs.gov/help/tax-sca...
Scammers are including QR codes that claim to reveal who sent the gift but scanning them could lead to phishing sites or malware that steals your personal information. If you receive a surprise package with a QR code, it’s safest to skip the scan and stay alert.
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-ale...
We’re excited to be tabling at an upcoming event hosted by Rural Outreach Center! 🌷🐣 We’ll have information, resources, and our team on hand to answer questions. Stop by and say hi!
🖤 March 6 is Black Balloon Day — a day to remember the lives lost to overdose and to support the families & communities forever changed by addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, know that help and hope are out there.
www.elderjusticeny.org/substance-use-awareness-advocacy-older-adult
Join us for a free Health Care Proxy Clinic for the LGBTQIA+ community. You will receive help from an attorney to complete a health care proxy to ensure someone you trust can make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so.
Register forms.microsoft.com/r/dgMZKx65Ad
Scammers are getting more sophisticated — and pooled trusts are no exception. Always verify that the organization managing the trust is legitimate before sharing financial information.
If you are looking for a legitimate pooled trust, check out our pooled trust partnership www.wnypooledtrust.org
If you’re a New York resident 55 or older, our Senior Legal Advice Helpline connects you with an attorney who can help you understand your rights and your options — completely free.
Sometimes a quick conversation can make all the difference.
🔗 www.elderjusticeny.org/legal-advice...
When organizations invite us to present, the goal is simple: share clear, practical information that helps people understand their rights and access the resources they need.
Contact rpratt@elderjuisticeny.org to schedule a presentation today!
The IOLA Fund, a dedicated pot of non-taxpayer money that funds civil legal services for low-income NYers, is at risk of being underfunded. Crucial legal services could be slashed.
Ask Gov. Hochul to include the full IOLA spending authority:
actionnetwork.org/letters/rest...
We’ve recently been featured in both TV and print media highlighting critical issues affecting our community. 📺📰 A recent TV segment covered an elder abuse case downstate, while a print article spotlighted a new law and what it means for New Yorkers.
Check it out at www.elderjusticeny.org/news
Access to justice starts with information. We’re heading into the community with presentations and tabling events designed to empower, educate, and connect. See where we’ll be next!
Additional presentation info available at
www.elderjusticeny.org/upcoming-events
The Buffalo Common Council presents Buffalo Money Mastery 💰 — a FREE financial literacy workshop designed to help you build confidence and take control of your finances.
We are proud to be partnering with this important event and will be presenting!
Register:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
New SNAP work rules are rolling out in New York starting March 1 — able-bodied adults without dependents will have to work, train or volunteer at least 20 hrs/week to keep benefits.
www.wgrz.com/article/news...
www3.erie.gov/snap/
Access to justice shouldn’t depend on income. Yet IOLA funding remains flat in the Governor’s budget amendments. Without increased investment, critical civil legal services & basic rights for low-income New Yorkers are at risk.
queenseagle.com/all/2026/2/2...
Meet us at the Community Resource Fair from 5–6 pm.
Did you know CELJ offers services for people of all ages who are struggling with substance use?
Learn More:
www.elderjusticeny.org/champ
www.elderjusticeny.org/substance-use-awareness-advocacy-older-adult
Bereavement scams target grieving families by using information from obituaries or online death notices to impersonate funeral home staff, government agents, or others and trick loved ones into sending money or sharing personal data.
Learn more: www.aarp.org/money/scams-...
📢 Don’t miss the 2026 STOP Scams NY Conference on April 14, 2026. A full-day, in-person event to learn how scams target older adults and how to prevent them with expert insights and practical strategies. 🧠💡
Register by April 1 at
wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/webl...
🚨 March 5 is National Slam the Scam Day!
Learn common scam tactics, protect yourself & others: ssa.gov/scam.
Report issues: SSA OIG → oig.ssa.gov/report
FTC → reportfraud.ftc.gov
#SlamTheScam #FraudPrevention
This year we’re going all in with a Triple Crown–themed celebration!
🎟️ Tickets are available
⭐ Calling all businesses & community partners: We are actively seeking sponsors to help make this event a success!
🔗 www.elderjusticeny.org/annual-meat-raffle for more information or to purchase tickets!
💙 Getting the mental health and addiction care you deserve shouldn’t be complicated.
CHAMP offers free, confidential help to New Yorkers who are navigating health insurance for mental health or substance use treatment — no matter your age or income.
Contact 716-853-3087 to get started!
Every shirt tells a story. 👕⚖️ Our Justice shirt features a powerful definition that reflects our commitment to dignity, fairness, and access for all. Wear your values and spark meaningful conversations.
Available here: www.bonfire.com/justice-tee-6/
Outreach that meets people where they are 💬 From presentations to community events, we share practical information that makes a real difference. Check out what we have coming up or contact us to schedule a presentation! www.elderjusticeny.org/upcoming-events
Join us for Empowering Black and Brown Communities: A Brain Health Conference hosted by the Alzheimer's Association. Discover the latest brain health research, enjoy mindfulness, music and movement activities, connect with local resources, and take part in a live food demo with samples.
The PNA is the small portion of income that nursing home residents may keep each month to pay for essential personal items that are not covered by Medicaid.
Contact your Legislators and request an increase!
www.nysenate.gov/find-my-sena...
assembly.state.ny.us/mem/search/
We’re growing and looking for an experienced leader to join our team! If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of our work, our Managing Attorney opportunity could be right for you!
www.elderjusticeny.org/job-and-volunteer-openings-comanaging-attorney
Top Fraud of 2026? It might be Recovery Scams…
If you already lost money to a scammer, there may be more scammers coming your way. Recovery scams target victims a second time by posing as investigators or experts promising to obtain lost funds.
www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/recovery-scams/
Hey, Chautauqua County neighbors! Check out this symposium in your neighborhood, they’ve got it all!
✔️ Free medical care
✔️ Veteran & senior services
✔️ Food trucks
✔️ Give aways
✔️ And FREE guest speakers!
We’ll be there, hope to see you March 13!
Looking for a place where mission matters? Well, you’ve found us! Come be a part of our team and do work that will leave you feeling proud of what you do!
www.elderjusticeny.org/open-positions
1988 was 38 years ago. Can you imagine sticking to the same budget you had back then?
That’s what NY nursing home residents on Medicaid are stuck doing, except $50 doesn’t go quite as far as it did in 1988…
New York needs to do better; dignity depends on it.
buffalonews.com/opinion/edit...
Civil legal services are often the last line of defense for families. The Executive Budget comes up nearly 25% short on IOLA funding—putting those services at risk. We’re urging the Governor to fix this now.
Sign the one click letter here ASAP:
actionnetwork.org/letters/full...
