March is recognized as Fraud Prevention month across Canada.
The Canadian Government web site, Protection from frauds and scams - Canada.ca, says that this year’s theme is, “Tricks of the trade: What’s in a fraudster’s toolbox?”. They hope that foreknowledge will help Canadians recognize the increasingly sophisticated tricks and tools scammers use to entrap victims.
At a recent Canada wide workshop that I attended, the presenters said, “education and awareness are the strongest line of defence against fraud”.
Unfortunately, frauds and scams disproportionately impact older people, although with the more sophisticated technology in use today more younger people are also being successfully targeted.
Nevertheless, the government website, What every older Canadian should know about: Fraud and scams, says “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others”.
Why are seniors being targeted? According to the same website, some of the reasons are that they are often home during the day to answer the door or phone, they can be more trusting, and they may not have family or friends close by to ask for a second opinion.
Seniors are also perceived to have more money than others, many are not tech-savvy so easier to scam online, over the phone or on social media, they may have cognitive or physical impairments which prevents them from making good judgements, and they fear reporting because they might be judged as incompetent.
So, what are some of the scams to watch out for if you are a senior? Some of the top scams according to the Safety and Security 2022 booklet, published by the North Shore News, include Grandparent, Romance, Extortion, Service, Internet, CRA, and Charity Scams.
The booklet outlines these scams in detail and suggests useful prevention tips.
The publication is also helpful in outlining other safety issues for seniors such as vehicle security, home safety, wills and power of attorney, signs of abuse and more.
To get a copy, try your nearest Seniors Centre, Recreation Centre, or Library. It can also be found on the North Shore website under “Features/Special Print Features.” The new edition of the booklet should be in circulation by September of this year according to Tannis Hendricks, one of the project coordinators.
One of the worst scams in my opinion is the Grandparent or Emergency scam, in which a scammer posing as a grandchild solicits a trusting grandparent for money for any number of emergency issues, and then asks them to send money through a business money service or to have it ready to be picked up at the door.
It would be wise to remember that phone calls from grand kids should not be acted on until you take time to think carefully about the call, and then phone a friend or family member to get advice.
Also, remember that police, judges, or other legal entities will never request money from money service businesses. The good news that I heard at the workshop I mentioned above is that a lower number of seniors are being scammed by this method in British Columbia than other large provinces.
In terms of protecting yourself, take seriously the following phrases “buyer beware” and “you don’t get something for nothing” and you might avoid a scam.
Also, never tell another person your PIN or account passwords, do not click on pop-up windows or respond to e-mails, open attachments, or go to website links sent by people you do not know.
Never give out your credit card, bank account or personal information to someone over the phone, at the door or over the internet unless you know the person or organization well and do not sign an agreement until you give yourself time to think it over. Do not be rushed into buying something.
Before hiring someone or agreeing to have work done on your home, ask for proof of identity and references and make sure to check them.
I was once almost nearly swayed by a scammer who strongly and persuasively suggested that all my home heating system needed replacing. On pretext of going to the washroom, I quickly checked the Better Business website and found the company to have serious issues attached to its name.
Tannis Hendricks said that it’s a shame we need to warn people every year about the myriad of scams targeting not just seniors but everyone.
“I’m a positive person who likes to believe in the good of people and give them the benefit of the doubt; it’s just so disappointing when people prove otherwise.”
If you are feeling pressured or rushed in any situation, take this advice, “take five and call someone.”
Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 52 years and has worked for and with seniors for twenty-seven of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome – email [email protected]
