Local seniors had a recent opportunity at the drop-in centre to become properly prepared if faced with issues that are suspiciously fraudulent.
The New Year continues monthly presentations of wellness topics that have already included, since last September, seminars on elder abuse, emergency preparedness, wills and remembrances, as well as healthy eating last month.
ìWe held a fraud awareness presentation January 8,î said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, manager of the Innisfail Family Community Support Services. ìConst. Chris Lavery of the Innisfail RCMP detachment presented information on the various types of schemes presently going on now.î
Attendance has been good, with 40 plus attending each presentation, peaking at almost 100 for the wills discussion.
Lavery spoke about a wide range of topics; from setting up a POA (power of attorney) to prevent fraud related financial losses or transactions, to raising an awareness of what communities in Alberta have seen.
He said in other communities citizens have been approached with seen home renovation scams, investment scams, bank officer scams, and the lost grandchild scenario.
ìIf it seems to good to be true,î added Lavery. ìIt probably is.î
The key to preventing fraud, and becoming the victim of fraud is awareness, said Lavery.
ìThe FCSS will offer transportation from various seniors' lodges to the drop-in centre for these discussions. We feel we need to extend our reach as much as we can. We can set up for 80 to 100 people, but look forward to serving as many as arrive,î said Oliver McCurdie.
Seniors who missed the presentation can pick up information from the drop in centre.
The next Wellness topic will be Heart Smart and Helping Hands, which will take place Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Contact the drop-in centre at 403-227-6601 to pre-register or to arrange for transportation to this important discussion.
