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Nottawasaga OPP offering fraud prevention presentations

Resources available to groups, individuals to prevent fraud, cybercrime
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NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is taking a proactive approach to seniors falling victim to fraud by delivering fraud awareness presentations throughout the various detachment-area communities.

Year after year, the number of Canadians targeted and victimized by fraud and scams continues to rise. Losses reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in 2022 reached an all-time high of $530 million. Regardless of age, gender or location, everyone can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

Seniors are among the most vulnerable population groups in Ontario to be targeted or victimized by criminals perpetrating various fraudulent activities or schemes.

The aim of the presentations is to provide information to local residents to create a greater level of understanding and awareness of how the various schemes are targeted towards seniors. During the presentations, officers provide a basic overview of the various fraud schemes, valuable fraud prevention tips, and numerous resources that are available in the event that one falls victim. Officers engage with the attendees by answering any questions that may arise during the presentation.

Knowledge is power. All consumers — regardless of age — can take basic steps to better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. The OPP recommends that those who have aging relatives, or who are involved with seniors either for employment purposes or as community members, be familiar with a valuable resource, The Little Black Book of Scams: 2nd Edition, which is available at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html. The book is available in various languages and has a printer-friendly version.

If your community group or organization would like a presentation on fraud and cybercrime prevention, please contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 705-434-1939, and ask to speak with Provincial Const. Viccary.

If you believe you have become a victim of fraud, contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free) or report online at www.antifraudcentre.ca. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or report the incident online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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