Thursday, July 10, 2025
With scams on the rise across Long Island, police and local leaders in Wantagh and Seaford are working to keep residents informed and protected.
The Wantagh/Seaford Homeowners Association hosted a meeting at the Wantagh American Legion on June 4 to inform community members of ongoing scams targeting residents in the area and how to avoid them.
Eugene Messmer, an officer with the Nassau County Police Department’s Community Affairs Office, led the crime prevention meeting. He spoke about common scams targeting residents of Nassau County, and the importance of being aware of con games and how to keep their private information safe and secure.
The goal of Messmer’s office, he said, is to keep residents informed and safe. Members of the department hold meetings throughout the county to spread awareness and allow people to have a space to ask questions.
Ella Stevens, the homeowners’ association president, organized the event as a way to provide residents with tips on how to stay safe during the summer.
“Summer kicks off in less than a month,” Stevens said, “and homeowners need to be aware of not only their surroundings, but the many scams that are out there and how they can protect themselves from being victimized.”
In one example of a popular scam, Messmer said, fraudsters pose as New York State Police officers demanding money over the phone.
“No state police officer is going to make a demand like this, especially over the phone,” he said. “Do not take any immediate action if you get a call like this. Instead, you should call the police.”
The presentation included a slideshow outlining how to recognize the signs of a phone scam, using the SCAM method: Stop, Check, Alert, and Mention. The steps advise people to stop immediately if asked for money or personal information, check the caller’s identity, alert local authorities, and mention the scam to family and friends.
“Sharing this information with others can be helpful and beneficial to everyone,” Messmer noted.
Another common scheme is the IRS phone scam, in which callers claim to be from the IRS and threaten arrest or fines due to alleged tax discrepancies. They then demand wire transfers, gift cards, or personal information.
“If there is something wrong with your tax return, you will not find out through a phone call,” Messmer emphasized.
Some ways to prevent becoming a victim include regularly checking credit reports and setting up notifications for bank account activity, Messmer said. Adding two-step verification to accounts also could increase the level of security for sensitive information.
Messmer also warned about the use of skimming devices, as well as burglars deploying deception. Skimming devices are placed on ATMs or gas pumps to steal card information. In deception burglaries, suspects pose as workers to distract homeowners while accomplices steal valuables.
Messmer pointed out that victims of scams in Wantagh and Seaford should report all incidents to the Seventh Precinct’s non-emergency number at (718) 848-7777.
In addition, Nassau County has implemented an app called Smart911, which allows residents to share critical information with 9-1-1 and first responders during emergencies. Users can create safety profiles, receive emergency and weather alerts, and include details such as medical history.
Stevens said the June 4 meeting served as a reminder that anyone could fall victim to a scam and that awareness is the first step in prevention.
“It is important to hold events like these to give people the time to stop and listen,” Stevens said. “Sitting in a room, hearing other people's stories gives people an idea of what to look out for. Everyone thinks it is not going to affect them, until it does.”
