Pittsford residents are urged to stay alert during Identity Theft Awareness Week to protect themselves from scams and fraud

Pittsford, New York – Pittsford residents are being urged to remain alert as Identity Theft Awareness Week, observed from January 26 to 30, highlights the growing risks of scams and fraudulent activity that can affect anyone. From homeowners to everyday citizens, scammers are increasingly targeting personal, financial, and property records in sophisticated ways. The Town of Pittsford is encouraging residents to take precautions and educate themselves on how to detect and prevent identity theft.

One of the most concerning forms of identity theft is property and deed fraud. Scammers may file fraudulent documents in an attempt to transfer a property deed or take out loans using stolen information, often without the homeowner’s knowledge. Such schemes can leave unsuspecting residents in legal and financial jeopardy.

To guard against this type of fraud, officials recommend periodically reviewing property records through Monroe County’s Clerk online database at https://bit.ly/3NHC9Xy. “Watch for a new deed or quitclaim deed you did not authorize, unexpected changes to the owner name, or a new mortgage or lien you did not apply for,” the Town advises. If anything appears suspicious, it is critical to act immediately by contacting the Monroe County clerk, filing a police report, and consulting a real estate attorney. Early detection is key, as correcting a fraudulent deed in New York usually requires legal action.

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Government impersonation scams are also on the rise. Scammers may pose as town, county, state, or federal officials, often claiming that the victim owes money or must verify personal information. The Town of Pittsford warns, “The Town of Pittsford will not demand payment or request sensitive information through an unsolicited call, email or text.” Residents are advised to be wary of urgent deadlines, threats, and requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. When in doubt, always contact the Town directly using official contact information available on the Town website at townofpittsford.org.

Phishing attempts through emails, texts, and phone calls continue to be a common method used to steal personal and financial information. Messages can appear legitimate but are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive data. To protect yourself, do not click on links or open attachments from unknown or unexpected senders. Residents should also set up bank alerts for withdrawals, purchases, and account changes. Red flags include misspellings, generic greetings, unusual phone numbers, or strange email addresses. It is always safest to verify requests by contacting the organization directly rather than using the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

Financial identity theft can manifest in several ways, including unauthorized credit card charges, new accounts opened in your name, or fraudulent tax filings. To prevent such incidents, officials recommend reviewing bank and credit card statements regularly, checking credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, and using strong, unique passwords with multifactor authentication whenever possible.

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If you suspect you have been targeted, it is crucial to act quickly. “Contact your financial institution right away. Do not use phone numbers, links or email addresses provided in a suspicious message,” the Town advises. Additionally, report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and notify local law enforcement when appropriate.

Identity Theft Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder that anyone can be a target. From property and financial fraud to phishing scams and government impersonation, vigilance is the most effective tool residents have to protect themselves. By reviewing accounts, monitoring property records, and staying alert to suspicious communications, Pittsford residents can significantly reduce their risk and respond quickly if fraud occurs.

As this week highlights, protecting personal information requires ongoing attention, and the Town of Pittsford encourages everyone to take advantage of resources, stay informed, and remain proactive. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but with awareness and careful habits, residents can stay one step ahead and safeguard both their identity and financial security.