Crime Prevention Week 2024 – Awareness in Action: Keeping Ontario Safe – gives us the opportunity to share more about the initiatives the Ontario Provincial Police and our police partners have undertaken to help prevent crime.
On Friday, November 8, 2024, Fraud Awareness is being highlighted. To support this initiative, the Northumberland OPP Community Safety Officer (CSO) and auxiliary members regularly deliver presentations tailored for senior adults. These presentations are typically conducted at the request of partners such as PROBUS, Community Care Northumberland, Inclusion Northumberland, and various independent religious and community organizations.
The Little Black Book of Scams, from the Competition Bureau of Canada, is a staple amongst the various anti-fraud and scam pamphlets available at each presentation. Partners at Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario have also provided valuable resources as attendees leave with additional information on protecting each other from scams and cyber security tips.
Resources can found at the following links:
Elder Abuse Prevention of Ontario
The Little Black Book of Scams
MORE BELOW
To keep things interesting, the CSO has recently implemented the Tip of The Day which varies from “if it’s important enough, let them leave a voicemail” to physical productions of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking cards and faraday wallets.
Throughout the year, the media officer will issue media releases on emerging or recurring frauds and scams which have been targeting individuals in our communities. Local radio stations regularly have an officer in the studio to talk about current events and assist in getting the message out there about suspicious offers originating from door knocks and phone calls to texts and emails.
The message of ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true’ has been mentioned on many occasions from everyday conversations with the public to being heard on the radio and echoed by not only listeners but presentation attendees, all with intention of spreading awareness about fraud and the many mediums and methods used to commit this crime.
If you believe a seniors fraud/scams presentation would benefit members of your community or groups, please contact the Northumberland Detachment at 905-372-5421.
