Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Governor Hochul Warns Consumers About Scams and Cybersecurity Threats amid Russian Invasion of Ukraine

 Governor Kathy Hochul New York State Seal

Donate to Verified and Reputable Organizations that Use Contributions to Provide Relief to Ukrainians in Need

State Agencies Issue Recommendations for Protecting and Securing Your Sensitive Information, Staying Alert Under Heightened Cyber Threats


 Governor Kathy Hochul today advised New Yorkers about charity scams and increased cybersecurity threats related to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection has learned of fraudulent requests for charitable relief money to support victims of the war. Consumers are encouraged to carefully evaluate any request for money and verify charities prior to donating money or supplies. Governor Hochul also encourages New Yorkers to remain on guard when releasing sensitive information online amid an uptick in cybersecurity threats through the utilization of security recommendations from the Department of Taxation and Finance. This follows the Governor's formation of the Joint Security Operations Center, which serves as the center for joint local, state and federal cyber efforts.

"New York is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States, and New Yorkers always lend a helping hand to take care of those in need," Governor Hochul said. "However, we must remain cautious of those who try to commit fraud, taking advantage of others' kindness. In your generosity to help our Ukrainian friends and family, remember if something seems suspicious, it likely is. Encourage your friends and family, especially elderly loved ones, to stay vigilant online."

Any time disasters occur, scam artists prey on the heartstrings of individuals looking to help. The invasion of Ukraine provides an opportunity for fraudsters to set up fake charities or pose as compelling war victims. Others design websites to mimic a legitimate charity's official site to steal unsuspecting donors' money and/or personal information. 

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "New Yorkers are known for being supportive and generous to those in need. As the war in the Ukraine rages on con artists will continue to appear using emotional ploys and fake solicitations in an attempt to bilk consumers. I encourage New Yorkers to protect their good intentions and always research a charity before donating to ensure your hard-earned dollars are getting to those who so desperately need your support." 

Office of Information Technology Services CIO Angelo 'Tony' Riddick said, "Countless New Yorkers with the best of intentions have donated to charities in support of the people of Ukraine, and they are making a difference. Unfortunately, this generosity also creates new opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit. To protect yourself and to ensure your generous donation always gets in the hands of those who truly need the help, ITS asks New Yorkers to follow these best practices and to remain vigilant in light of recent online threats and cyber scams."

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Every New Yorker has a role to play when it comes to securing their personal information and protecting themselves from cyber threats. We know that in times of need, bad actors are out there looking to take advantage of those trying to help. If you are attempting to support the people of Ukraine through online or digital donations, remain vigilant and follow these best practices to ensure your donations are authentic and your information stays safe."

Scammers often make contact via social media, unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages. They may ask to send money through a payment app like Cash App, Venmo or Zelle, wire the money to an offshore bank account, or send prepaid gift cards. Many recent scams include requests for donations in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Scam artists are creative and will continue to think of new ways to defraud people, so consumers must always be vigilant. 

To prevent donation money from falling into the wrong hands, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Verify the request. Scammers are more frequently posing as friends, family or romantic interests on social media and requesting donations; it is easy to copy someone else's photo and biographical information and create a fake account online. If you receive an unsolicited request for donation relief online, even if it appears to be someone you know, connect with the person directly through a different communication link to verify the request. Do not click on any links or complete forms before verifying the source. If the request is coming from someone you only recently met online, it is most likely a scam and you should be especially wary.  
  • Research the charity. Don't rely on a charity website alone. Search online before donating to any charity using the name of the group plus search terms like "review" and "scam". The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking with give.orgcharitynavigator.org,charitywatch.org, or candid.org to see reports and ratings for charities. You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for verification that a charity is registered. The Office of the Attorney General also recommends reviewing the Charities Registry for financial reports prior to donating to ensure the charity is fiscally sound. 
  • Resist high-pressure tactics. While the situation is urgent, consumers should resist being pressured to donate immediately. Scammers often pressure you to donate immediately, causing you to overlook red flags in their story. Beware of direct e-mails from "victims" and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately. Do not to give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers; instead, ask the caller to send written materials about the charity and where to donate, if you choose. 
  • Keep personal information private. Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number, or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request. If donating online, ensure that your internet connection is secure before following through on donation requests. 
  • Ask how your money will be spent. Consumers want to know that their money is going directly to the victims. A genuine charity should be able to let you know how much of your donation will go directly to the program as opposed to administrative fees.  
  • Donate by check or credit card. Never give money using cash, gift cards, crypto currency, or any tender that would be difficult to trace. Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to donate via a charity's website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection.  

If you suspect that you have encountered a fraudulent attempt to receive donations, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/file-consumer-complaint

The Division's Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm at 1-800-697-1220. You can find more information and tips by following the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on Twitter (@NYSConsumer) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/nysconsumer). 

Amid heightened international concern about cybersecurity, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance also shares a series of critical tips to help taxpayers safeguard their private information during tax season and throughout the year:

Be wary of unsolicited emails and telephone calls asking for personal information. Never share personal information, such as your Social Security number, in response to an unsolicited email or telephone call. If the email or call claims to be from a company with which you do business, call it directly to confirm the contact is legitimate. Scammers often use scare tactics and threats related to tax debt to get you to share your personal and financial information.

Secure your mobile devices. Apply software updates that patch known vulnerabilities as soon as they become available. Use security features built into your device, such as a passcode, and use programs that encrypt data and remotely eliminate contents if the device is lost or stolen.

Be careful with Wi-Fi hotspots. Public wireless hotspots are not secure, which means that it's easy for cyber thieves to see what you are doing on your mobile device while you are connected. Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

Know your apps. Thoroughly review the details and specifications of an app before you download it. Review and understand the privacy policy of each mobile app. Be aware that the app may request access to your location and personal information.

Be cautious about the information you share on social media. Avoid posting your birthdate, telephone number, home address, or images that identify your job or hobbies. One reason: this type of information can be used to determine answers to security questions used to reset passwords, and makes you a target of fraudsters who seek to access your accounts and personal information.

Use strong passwords. Create different passwords for all your accounts. When it comes to passwords, try to use one with at least 14 characters, the current industry standard. Use a combination of letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. Consider passphrases in which you use the first letters of a memorable phrase to create a complex password that is difficult to guess. Regularly change your passwords/passphrases.

Vary your security questions. Don't use the same security questions on multiple accounts. Select security questions for which the answers cannot be guessed or found by searching social media or the internet.

Use two-step verification to access accounts. To enhance the security of online accounts, whenever possible require a password and an extra security code to verify your identity when you sign in.

Beware of phishing. Don't click on links, download files, or open attachments in emails from unknown senders. Open attachments only when you are expecting them and know what they contain, even if you know the sender.

It's important to regularly review the steps necessary to secure your sensitive information.

Report it. If you're a victim or believe you may be a victim of tax-related identity theft, alert us immediately. We will track your information to help keep it private and protected. Visit the Tax Department's Report fraud, scams, and identity theft webpage.

The Tax Department uses advanced encryption, firewalls, intrusion-detection systems, and other security measures to safeguard our systems and sensitive data, but taxpayers must also take a proactive approach to protecting themselves online.

DEC HOSTS 14TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT

 

Logo

407 Youth Archers Stay on Target in 2022 State Tournament

St. Joseph by the Sea Wins High School Division; Arkport Central School Wins Middle and Elementary Division

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently hosted the 14th annual state archery tournament for New York schools participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®). Twenty-two schools from 16 counties participated in the 2022 tournament held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

“In-person again for the first time in three years, DEC hosted the annual National Archery in the Schools Tournament last week, giving participating students the opportunity to show off their archery skills and meet peers from across New York,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The National Archery in the Schools Program is a great way to engage young people in outdoor activities and inspire them to stick with the sport of archery for a lifetime.”

A total of 407 students competed from their home schools in one of three divisions: high school (grades 9-12); middle school (grades 6-8); and elementary school (grades 4-5). Anthony Marino from St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County had the top overall score and placed first among male archers in the High School Division with a score of 292 out of 300 possible points. Gabryelle Dezalia from Schroon Lake Central School in Essex County was the top overall female archer, earning first place in the High School Division with a score of 278. Both winners will receive a trophy and a New York Champion Genesis bow and bow case. Awards were also given in each of the three divisions for first through tenth places.

St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County was the first-place team in the High School Division for the 8th year in a row. The first-place team in the Middle School and Elementary School Division was Arkport Central School in Steuben County. For the full list of tournament results, visit the tournament website.

NASP® is hosting the U.S. National Tournament in Louisville, KY, from May 12 through 14.

For more information on how schools can become involved in NASP in New York, visit DEC's website. To learn more about NASP, visit the NASP website.

For additional photos of the event, check out our Flickr album - https://www.flickr.com/photos/nysdec/albums/72177720297537062

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON MASK REQUIREMENTS FOR 2-4 YEAR OLDS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement regarding mask mandates in schools and daycare centers for 2- to 4-year-old children:

“I have always said that the science will guide us out of the pandemic, and because we have followed the data, we are winning the fight against COVID-19. New York City is currently in a low-risk environment.

 

“It’s now been two weeks since we removed the mask mandate for K-12 public school children, and our percent positivity in schools has, thankfully, remained low. Each day, we review the data, and if we continue to see low levels of risk, then, on Monday, April 4, we will make masks optional for 2-4 year old children in schools and daycare settings. This will allow us sufficient time to evaluate the numbers and make sound decisions for our youngest New Yorkers. We must get this right for the health of our kids, and I refuse to jeopardize their safety by rushing a decision.

 

“Our schools have been among the safest places for our children since the beginning of the pandemic, and we will only remove this requirement if the science says that it is safe to do so. I’ve said it before: I’m with New York City parents and New Yorkers can trust this administration to continue to make the proper public health decisions to keep our kids safe.

 

“We will additionally continue to make masks available for any child or school staff member who wishes to continue wearing them.”


Monday, March 21, 2022

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 21, 2022

 COVID-19 Vaccine

55% of Hospitalizations Admitted for Non-COVID Reason

New York State Ranks First Among Large States For Fully Vaccinated Total Population

New York State Ranks First Among Large States For Fully Vaccinated 12-17 Year Olds

6 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"We are closely monitoring BA.2, and will continue to stay vigilant by making tests, vaccines and boosters widely available," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The best way to keep the numbers down is by using the tools we know work. If you feel sick, get tested. If you test positive, talk to a doctor right away about treatments. Together we will continue to move forward safely through this pandemic."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 55,561
  • Total Positive - 1,099
  • Percent Positive - 1.98%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.92%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 901 (+1)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 91
  • Patients in ICU - 159 (0)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 71 (-6)
  • Total Discharges - 289,454 (+103)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 6
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,048

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,980

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

  • Total vaccine doses administered - 37,322,036
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 7,915
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 91,277
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.9%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.9%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 82.2%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 72.2%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.4%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.6%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.3%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.9%
Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:

BOROUGH 

Friday, March 18, 2022 

Saturday, March 19, 2022 

Sunday, March 20, 2022 

Bronx 

0.81% 

0.83% 

0.84% 

Kings 

1.41% 

1.38% 

1.40% 

New York 

1.95% 

2.03% 

2.11% 

Queens 

1.14% 

1.17% 

1.20% 

Richmond 

1.12% 

1.11% 

1.19% 

Attorney General James Responds to Trump’s Attempts to Overturn a Court Order Requiring Him to Testify in Civil Investigation

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to the brief filed today by Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to appeal a decision that they must all appear for sworn testimony in compliance with subpoenas from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) as part of its ongoing civil investigation into Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings:

“Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump were ordered by a judge to comply with our investigation into Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings. Despite continuous efforts to impede this investigation, no one can stop our pursuit of justice, no matter how powerful they are. We will continue to follow the facts without fear or favor.”  

In February, the Honorable Arthur Engoron of the New York County State Supreme Court ruled that Donald J. Trump and his children must all appear for sworn testimony, and Donald J. Trump must produce additional documents in compliance with subpoenas from OAG

Third Avenue Business Improvement District - Save a Life. Business CPR Certification

 



CPR Training for Businesses
Become Certified in CPR - focused on you & your staff
Join Third Avenue Business Improvement District, St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction, Acacia Network, and the Office of Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Jr. for the continuation of the Public Health Spring Program series. This series specializes in Bronx health and wellness initiatives with a specific focus on saving lives.

During this training attendees will become certified in CPR and learn the proper procedures to saving a life.

Program is presented in person at the Third Avenue Business Improvement District Office, 2825 Third Avenue , Bronx, NY.

The program is facilitated by field experts and seeks to address public health and wellness barriers in the Bronx.