Community

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Scams | Senior Fraud Prevention Tips

Published

43 seconds ago

June 6, 2026

Scammers often target older adults by pretending to be family members, government agencies, banks, healthcare providers, or technical support representatives. Their goal is to create panic, gain trust, and convince victims to send money or provide personal information.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

• Grandparent scams involving fake emergencies and urgent requests for money

• Tech support scams claiming your computer has a virus or security problem

• Fake IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or law enforcement calls

• Lottery and sweepstakes scams promising prizes in exchange for fees

• Romance scams through social media, dating websites, and messaging apps

• Bank fraud and account compromise scams

• Investment and cryptocurrency scams promising guaranteed returns

Protect Yourself

✅ Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to someone you do not know or have not verified.

✅ Verify any urgent request by contacting a trusted family member, friend, or organization directly using a known phone number.

✅ Never provide personal, banking, Medicare, or Social Security information over the phone unless you initiated the contact and trust the recipient.

✅ Be cautious of callers who pressure you to act immediately, threaten consequences, or demand secrecy.

✅ Legitimate government agencies, financial institutions, and law enforcement organizations generally do not demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or other unconventional payment methods.

✅ If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

📞 Hang up the phone or end the communication.

🛑 Stop responding to calls, texts, emails, or messages from the suspected scammer.

👨‍👩‍👧 Contact a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver.

📋 Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency, financial institution, or the appropriate consumer protection authorities.

Working together, we can help protect our community from fraud and scams. Stay informed, stay alert, and share this information with family, friends, and neighbors.

Community

VFW Post 9215 Gifts Vehicle to Rockland County Marine Veteran

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Members of VFW Post 9215 have made a life-changing difference for a local veteran, gifting a vehicle to Marine Corps veteran Vince to help him attend medical appointments, treatments, and manage daily needs.

The donation will provide reliable transportation and restore a measure of independence for Vince and his family as they navigate significant health and financial challenges.

Vince served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1983, including assignments at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Okinawa. Following his military service, he spent nearly 30 years serving the local community.

The vehicle donation was made possible through a collaborative effort involving VFW Post 9215, the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, Bridges, local auto repair shops, suppliers, and community donors.

Supporters say the effort reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to assisting veterans facing difficult circumstances and ensuring those who served their country are not forgotten.

The gift serves as a powerful reminder that service and support continue long after military service ends, helping veterans like Vince maintain their independence and quality of life.

Community

North Rockland Facility Dog Maybie Becomes First in U.S. to Receive Teacher Tenure Recognition

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

On June 2, 2026, Maybie made history when the North Rockland Central School District awarded the beloved facility dog a special tenure recognition, making her the first full-time classroom-based facility dog in the United States to receive the honor.

Working alongside her handler, special education teacher Michael Morlino, Maybie supports students with emotional, behavioral, and therapeutic needs at Fieldstone Middle School. After completing two years of advanced training through Canine Companions, she became a vital part of the district’s student support services.

Capable of performing more than 40 commands, Maybie helps students cope with anxiety, stress, emotional regulation challenges, PTSD, sensory needs, school avoidance, and behavioral difficulties. Her calming presence has helped countless students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Each day begins with early morning training and exercise before Maybie reports to school, where she participates in counseling sessions, classroom activities, safety drills, therapeutic walks, and outdoor learning opportunities in “Maybie’s Meadow,” a dedicated wellness space designed to promote emotional regulation.

The success of Maybie’s program has inspired seven neighboring schools to launch similar facility dog initiatives, highlighting the growing role of specially trained dogs in supporting student mental health and well-being.

Maybie also serves as an ambassador for the WONDER GIRLS empowerment program, helping raise awareness about mental health resources and therapeutic supports available to students.

District officials say the tenure recognition celebrates Maybie’s extraordinary contributions to the school community and underscores the importance of innovative approaches to supporting students’ emotional and academic success.

For many students, Maybie is far more than a facility dog — she is a trusted companion, a source of comfort, and now, a history-making member of the North Rockland school community.

Photo courtesy of Fieldstone Middle School.