INNISFAIL - Knowing what to look for can help you from falling victim to a scam.
Innisfail and area residents will learn that and more as part of the Fraud Prevention Session at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Feb. 13.
The half-day free seminar will feature a number of guest speakers and runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration is required to attend.
“The main focus I think is on seniors, but it’s open to anyone that wants to come and get the information,” said Allyssa Bremner, community facilitator with the Town of Innisfail. “It’s our community coordinated response to elder abuse coalition that’s organized it.”
That coalition includes the towns of Bowden, Innisfail, Penhold, Springbrook and Spruce View.
“We meet together quarterly and put on different events. This is one of them, for now,” said Bremner. “March is actually national fraud prevention awareness month so it’s in anticipation of that, but we wanted to do it in February before people really start getting into their taxes and as a heads up for all those frauds and scams.”
The seminar will welcome guest speakers including Rada Trninic from the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre.
“She’s going to present an overview of many common scams and frauds along with information on how to protect your personal information,” said Bremner, noting those in attendance will learn how to recognize a scam, who to talk to, how to report it and where to go for more information. “They’re also be putting together a resource package that everyone can take home with them.”
Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson will also speak during the event.
“He’ll also present on fraud, home safety and elder abuse, along with some real life examples,” she added.
The seminar will share important information on common scams that are circulating.
“There’s always new scams coming out too, and that’s why it’s a good idea to stay up to date with everything that’s going on,” she said. “(Scammers) are getting smarter and smarter all the time.
“We just want them to come away with the knowledge and tools on how to identify scams and frauds and not fall victim to it,” Bremner concluded.
To register for the event contact Allyssa Bremner at (403) 227-3376 ext. 225 or [email protected]
