CONSUMER PROTECTION

Transitioning to a fixed income can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing day-to-day expenses. Many seniors face uncertainty during this time, and we're here to offer guidance. Our Consumer Protection Unit provides trusted advice on how to adjust your budget and manage your finances effectively. If you're dealing with consumer debt, you're not alone — many people experience stress from collection calls or even legal action by creditors. To find out if you qualify for services, please contact us at 716-853-3087.

Our team of attorneys and paralegals is available to offer:

• Advice and counsel on financial and legal matters

• Advocacy to help you navigate difficult situations

• Representation when you need someone on your side

• Advice on handling debt matters

• Stop harassment or calls from debt collectors

• Resolve offsets of social security funds or restraints on bank accounts

• Recovery from identity theft

• Responding to court action or papers from creditors

• Help with scam prevention or recovery

• Age 60+ years

• Resident of Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany county

What can I do if I can't pay my bills?

• Living on a fixed income can make it difficult to keep up with your bills. Center for Elder Law & Justice can help you create a budget and provide advice on setting priorities in your expenses. If you are already being harassed by creditors or have received legal papers for any debt that you owe, we can provide representation in those matters, as well.

I received a mail or email sweepstakes offer. How do I know if it is a scam?

• If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! Do not respond to mailings or emails with your personal information. If you’d like help determining whether something is a scam, you can call our office to speak with us about the offer you received.

I think my parent is a victim of a scam, how can I help them?

• Scammers are very convincing and persistent, which can make it challenging to convince your loved one that they may be involved in a scam. We are a law office, which means that our client has to want our assistance. If your loved one would like to talk to us about their situation or receive help in recovering from a scam, we are available to assist. However, if they do not want to speak with us, we cannot force them to accept our support.

I am being sued by a creditor. Can I be sent to jail if I don't pay?

• Receiving court papers can be a stressful and scary experience. While a lawsuit may result in a judgment being filed against you, you cannot be sent to prison for failing to pay. You may receive, however, specific papers that require a response in order to avoid being in contempt of court. If you are being threatened with a lawsuit, have received a summons and complaint, or have already had a judgment filed against you, you can call our office to speak with our Consumer Protection Unit for support.

To help protect older adults from financial exploitation and fraud, the Center for Elder Law has partnered with Lake Shore Savings Bank and Pro Bono Net to create the Senior Financial Safety Tool. This resource is designed to help seniors understand financial risks, recognize warning signs of scams, and take steps to protect their money and identity. Use this free tool to find out if you're at risk — click here to get started.