WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWNY) - New York’s junior senator says too many New Yorkers get “scrooged” around the holidays.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says scams tend to peak during the holiday season. Senior citizens are often the victims.

Swindlers often pose as debt collectors, Social Security officials, or a family member in trouble.

The Government Accountability Office identified at least 13 agencies involved in anti-scam efforts, each working independently under different mandates and authorities.

Gillibrand is sponsoring a bill that would require the FBI to develop a coordinated strategy to combat scams.

In the meantime, the Democrat says victims should not hesitate to come forward.

“Nobody wants to tell anybody that they’ve been scammed; it’s too embarrassing. So we have to destigmatiz

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