Anti-fraud presentations planned for Nov. 27 at Meridian Community Centre
The Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill will host two free sessions on Nov. 27 to educate residents about mass marketing fraud, identity theft, romance and other scams as well as cyber security. – Sarah Ferguson/Torstar
From identity theft to email phishing, romance, telephone and bank loan scams, there are a lot of ways to become a victim of fraud.
“It seems as though a new scam is popping up all the time,” said Julie Cook, Pelham’s recreation and wellness programmer.
“It seems like we’re hearing about different scams on a daily basis.”
That’s why Brock Godfrey, a retired educator with a specialty in anti-fraud, is coming to the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill on Nov. 27.
Godfrey will host two sessions aimed at seniors on identifying scams and what people can do to safeguard themselves.
Cook explained that when it comes to different types of scams education is an important component for a person to be able to protect him or herself.
“Some seniors are vulnerable and that’s why we want to help educate them so when these types of situations come up, they can protect themselves,” the recreational programmer said.
The first of two hour-long sessions will begin at 10:30 a.m. and focus on mass marketing fraud, identity theft, romance, as well as other scams and how to avoid them.
The second session, scheduled for 1 p.m., will highlight topics such as cyber security, passwords and anti-virus software.
Cook said while the presentations are aimed at seniors, scams can trick people of all ages, from all walks of life.
Godfrey brings his presentation as part of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, formerly Phone Busters, a joint operation of the RCMP, the OPP and the Competition Bureau of Canada. They are the central agency in Canada collecting information and criminal intelligence on such matters as mass marketing fraud, advance fee fraud, internet fraud and identification theft complaints. Godfrey was a recipient of the Superintendent’s award if Distinction from the RCMP.
The sessions are open to everyone and are free to attend although registration is required. To register online visit www.eventbrite.ca and search “Town of Pelham Community Forum.” Cook can also accept registrations by email at jcook@pelham.ca or by phone at 905-892-2607 ext. 329. A lunch option is available for $3.
For more information about scams visit The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca.
by Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson is a reporter and photographer covering the communities of south Niagara for Niagara This Week in addition to contributing to Niagara Life Magazine. She’s a lifelong Niagara resident and a graduate of Niagara College’s Journalism-Print program. Find her on Twitter @@s_ferguson25.
