CPB Joins with Hebrew Home, State Office for Aging to Launch Toll-free 'Senior Information Line'

NEW YORK, NY (10/25/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), the State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale (Weinberg Center) today announced the launch of a toll-free "Senior Information Line" which allows callers from across the State to access the latest news and updates about issues of interest to them.

Seniors can access the line by dialing 1-800-503-9000. All information will be available in English and Spanish. A new topic will be featured on a monthly basis.

A telephone format was chosen to make the information available to the many seniors who do not use the Internet.

Each month, the line will offer free information that seniors can use to stay safe, maximize their independence and improve their everyday lives. The line will cover topics such as:

• tips for preventing falls
  
• how to reduce the risk of identity theft
  
• how to avoid the latest scams
  
• how to choose the right cell phone without busting your budget
  
• changes to the New York Power of Attorney Law

The initial Senior Information Line message addresses how to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls and how to avoid telemarketing fraud - - a crime that targets millions of seniors each year.

"The Senior Information Line transforms the telephone into a source of news, knowledge and support for seniors throughout the State," said Governor David A. Paterson. "We are extremely pleased to partner with the Weinberg Center on this important initiative."

"The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center at the Hebrew Home is proud to partner with the Consumer Protection Board and the Office for the Aging to create the 'Senior Information Line,' available to seniors statewide," said Daniel Reingold, President and CEO of the Hebrew Home. "The Center continuously and relentlessly strives to improve the lives of seniors. This hotline will help seniors in our community stay safe and maximize their daily lives."

"Seniors can now connect to the latest information via telephone from any location in the State, including the comfort of their own home" said Mindy A. Bockstein, the CPB's Chairperson and Executive Director. "The Senior Information Line will make it easy for seniors to stay informed and empowered."

"Accurate, timely and unbiased Information is the key for older New Yorkers and their families to protecting their rights," said Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. "The new Senior Information Line will be a good complement to the statewide information lines run through NYSOFA and the extensive community based aging services network. The new toll-free line will add an additional level of information to our ongoing work through NYConnects: Choices for Long Term Care, through the Health Insurance Information and Counseling Program, through our Help Line and through our Medicare and Medicaid fraud protection program."

The audio and text of messages featured on the Senior Information Line - - and more - - will also be available online on the CPB's website, www.nysconsumer.gov.

The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is marking its 40th anniversary as the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the Do Not Call law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies.

NYSOFA advocates for the over 3.2 million New Yorkers who are 60 years of age and older, including at all levels of government and the private sector, with the cooperation of concerned organizations and older persons. In addition, NYSOFA administers federally funded programs under the Older Americans Act and a variety of state-funded programs which serve the elderly.

To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 1-800-697-1220 or visit the CPB's website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information and resource.