We had a major snowstorm the other day. We’re talking close to 30 cm in a few hours. Streets were impassable, and although city crews did get out quickly and clear the main roads, residential areas were a nightmare for days. The next thing I knew, I was getting texts from delivery companies informing me that my parcel had arrived, but due to the weather, it could not be delivered. To avoid it being returned, I needed to reschedule delivery or arrange for pickup. Just follow the link. . . The thing was, I had not ordered anything. I was not expecting any parcels. Scammers, each one. Yet how did they know about the blizzard in my small prairie city? They’re smart, these guys. Very smart. Phishing scams are very popular!
While we were in Mexico, my husband kept getting phone calls from Mexican numbers. We figured the scammers grabbed his number when he turned his data on to book rides for us. And another year, we had to contact a delivery company to arrange for shipping from one city to another. Suddenly, we started receiving emails from that company, claiming we owed them money. Not true. A few quick checks proved that one to be a scam. Or have you heard the one that is in Chinese? I still haven’t figured out what that one is, but it is sure annoying! And of course, this is the time of year when the Canadian Revenue Agency scams are ripe. . . Just follow the links to get your return directly deposited. (But first, you must provide your banking information!)
I must admit, I almost fell for a scam recently. It was an email from a grocery store, telling me to click on the link to collect my reward cheque. I knew that payment would be coming out soon, but I had some misgivings. Still, the email seemed official, and the logo was intact. Fortunately, I realized that the account was in my husband’s name, so he should be the one getting the email. He did not. That’s when I realized it was a scam. I called the company, and they said the cheques would be out in two months and would be mailed through Canada Post rather than emailed. That experience was an eye-opener for me. I came close to clicking on that link. I’d like to think I would have stopped before giving away any personal information, but you never know.
There have always been scams targeting older adults. Scammers who target senior citizens are known as elder scammers. They usually promise goods or services, and once they gain trust, they try to obtain financial details, health information, and sometimes physical possessions. They come online, over the phone, in the mail, and at our door. Identity theft, debit/credit card scams, sweepstakes/prizes, travel, and healthcare insurance are popular subjects. There are even a few good ones involving copyright infringements. Thank goodness for my savvy kids, who can be counted on to soothe my fears and prevent me from doing something regrettable.
Fraud has evolved over the years, from telemarketing and mail to social media and, most recently, AI. What hasn’t evolved is how scammers know how to feed on our emotions. Last month, an Alberta woman was charged with defrauding Saskatoon (the city in which I live) victims of close to $100,000 in the 2023 grandparent scam. This scam, also known as the family emergency scam, convinces the victim that a family member has an emergency and needs money.
March is Fraud Prevention Month, an annual campaign in Canada designed to help people recognize and report fraud. The theme this year is 20 Years of Fighting Fraud: From then to now. Although anyone of any age can fall victim to a scam, older adults seem to be an easy target. I wonder why. I consider myself fairly “street smart,” and I don’t trust many people. I think most people my age that I know are the same. We’re talking about 60- to 70-year-olds. Older adults may be at greater risk because they aren’t quite as savvy about some of the scams that are out there, they tend to be home more often, they may not have family or friends close by to ask for clarification or second opinions, and they may have more financial resources. Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has compiled a toolkit specifically designed for senior Canadians (60+) to raise public awareness and prevent victimization. 2022 Fraud Prevention Toolkit for Seniors – CNPEA. I think everyone needs to remind themselves to be careful, no matter what their age or standing in life. Here are a few points to take note of:
- Never open unsolicited emails or text messages.
- If a call comes in and you don’t know who is on the other end, don’t answer it. Sometimes all it takes is one word, and the scammers have your voice and can manipulate it to get into all kinds of trouble.
- Never click on unidentified links or attachments.
- Don’t give money to strangers or pay upfront for a service.
- Don’t be afraid to ask someone for a second opinion.
- And if something does happen, don’t beat yourself up. Report it. In Canada, you should report the incident to the local police, or RCMP, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If money is involved, report it to your bank or credit card provider. Tell as many people as you can, so others don’t fall victim to the same scam.
It happens. Just when we think we aren’t vulnerable, someone comes along with what seems like an opportunity, and that’s all it takes. So be aware. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn’t, right?
Interesting Reads & Things
What every older Canadian should know about: Fraud and scams – Canada.ca
Woman charged with defrauding Saskatoon victims in grandparent scam | The Star Phoenix
Complex scams are targeting seniors. These Montrealers want to stop them | CBC News
Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Scams? | Psychology Today
Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)
Test your knowledge of fraud (canada.ca)
How To Avoid the 12 Worst Senior Citizen Scams of 2024 (aura.com)
Common Scams Targeting the Elderly and How to Avoid Them (youtube.com)
Wanderings Art 
Good article. Excellent tips. We all need to be on our toes.
LikeLike