Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington), Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice and an FBI scam expert held an educational seminar for seniors this week at the Plainview Old Bethpage Public Library to learn how to spot, avoid, and protect themselves from targeted scams. The seminar also featured tips on recognizing and avoiding scams by an FBI scam expert.

"Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy the fruit of a lifetime of hard work, not time to defend it from con artists," Israel said. "I hope today's session will encourage more seniors to take proactive steps to ensure their security."

"I look forward to joining Congressman Israel in finding innovative ways to protect and educate some of Long Island's most vulnerable citizens," said Rice. "Educational events like these are crucial in the fight to protect our seniors."

"While seniors are often the targets of scams, they can avoid being victimized by staying educated and aware," added Sharon Mullon, commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. "I am happy to join Congressman Israel and District Attorney Rice in this important effort that empowers seniors."

The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that as many as five million seniors are victimized by scam artists every year. Experts say seniors should take steps such as screening calls, with caller ID or an answering machine, avoid filling out contest entries with personal information scam artists use to build phone lists and always ask to receive offers in writing.

In February, Rice created the Special Victims Bureau in her office. The Bureau is charged with investigating and prosecuting instances of elder abuse, neglect and mistreatment.

In May, Rice launched a training program for Nassau County nursing facilities designed to help nursing home workers identify and report the signs of either patient abuse or exploitation. The program has trained more than 1,000 skilled nursing facility staff in Nassau County since its inception.

Identity Theft: Scam artists use personal information to get credit cards, numbers and accounts in the victim's name. Restoring credit rating and correcting accounts afterward can be exceptionally difficult.

Tips: Never give out Social Security number, passwords, or PIN codes. Shred credit card offers and other financial papers before throwing them away. Don't leave your mail exposed: Get a locking mailbox, door mail slot or post office box. Don't put outgoing mail in your mailbox. Mail it at a post office.

Sweepstakes Fraud: Criminals contact seniors claiming they have won a prize, but require money or personal information before the victim can "collect." The prize never arrives. Scam artists have cheated seniors out of their life savings with this type of scheme.

Tips: Never send money to claim a prize. Legitimate contests don't require prize fees.

Investment Fraud: Fraudulent investment advisors offer quick money schemes that never pay out.

Tips: Don't buy anything you don't understand, don't make a decision over the phone and steer clear of high-pressure sales people who claim you've got to act quickly to get in on the investment.