Fraudulent phone calls as well as phishing emails that seek to exploit people's vulnerabilities in an attempt to steal their identities and money remain all too frequent.
To help raise awareness about the persistent problem, Const. Codi Lewald of the Sundre RCMP detachment recently gave a presentation at the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living Centre on recognizing, and by extension preventing, fraud.
Members of Chinook Arch Victim's Services Society, including companion canine Ringo, also attended the presentation to offer support and advice.
The lodge has previously been targeted by con artists and continues to receive no shortage of attempts to defraud the facility’s residents, said Lewald.
“They receive so many phone scams there,” the constable wrote in an email.
Lewald said she tailored her presentation specifically for the senior residents, and highlighted disconcerting 2017 figures showing how much money was lost to scams that year. According to the Better Business Bureau, nearly $100 million was lost due to fraudulent activity last year.
“That really shocked them and I got a few gasps,” said Lewald.
During a question period following the presentation, the constable said there were several inquiries about online scams.
“Through my conversation with the audience, I gained that a few of the residents there have computer access, but are unaware of how to protect themselves and what to look for in terms of spotting a scam. I had a lot of questions surrounding ‘updates’ and how to know if it was legitimate or a virus,” she said.
“The biggest thing I urged in my presentation is whenever getting a phone call requesting money, the best thing that can be done is to pause and think about it. Or better yet, call a trusted family member or friend and discuss it with them.”
The officer said the most frequent fraudulent activity she has observed to date in Sundre — Lewald has been serving the community for several months — is a con in which scammers seek to emotionally exploit a lonely individual.
“I have been aware of a few Sundre residents who have fallen victim to romance scams,” she said.
“My advice to anyone — not just seniors — who believe they have fallen victim to a scam is to talk about it. Many people are embarrassed and ashamed that they have fallen victim. However, scammers are very good at what they do and anyone can be influenced by their ways.”
Anybody who is suspicious about a phone call or email should heed his or her instincts and not hesitate to ask a trusted confidant for help. Those who are concerned about possibly having been victimized are encouraged to immediately contact their financial institutions, including credit card companies, to inform them about the scam, she said.
“Next, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and make them aware of the scam. By being open about it and reporting it, there is a better chance at funds being recovered and that the scammer gets caught.”
The centre can be reached by calling 1-888-495-8501, while the Sundre RCMP detachment can be contacted at 403-638-3675.
