NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TOWN OF NEW TECUMSETH, ADJALA-TOSORONTIO & ESSA TOWNSHIPS - The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is taking a proactive approach to seniors falling victim to fraud. Members of the Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit (CMEU) have been delivering fraud awareness presentations throughout the various detachment-area communities.
March is Fraud Prevention Month, and as such, the Nottawasaga Detachment will be continuing to deliver fraud awareness presentations. 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 https://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 you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre at 1‐888‐495‐8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
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