News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Monday, March 23, 2015   Fraud Awareness Month – Tips to Consider The Winnipeg Police Service recognizes that some of our most vulnerable citizens at risk of becoming victims of fraud are seniors.  Because of this, the Winnipeg Police Service is dedicating this week of Fraud Prevention Month to raising awareness for fraudsroutinely being perpetrated against seniors.   One of the common scams is the "Grandparent Emergency" scam.  In this scam a person calls a senior and while acting very panicked asks "Grandma" or "Grandpa" for money to help with a problem.  "The problem" is often legal, where a fine and lawyer fees need to be paid.  The senior then sends money by a money transfer service.  The money is then picked up by the fraudster and cannot be recovered.  The best way to prevent this is open communication.  Call your family and ask if your relative is in trouble.   As a senior, there are many ways that you can protect yourself from frauds and scams.  Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Here are some other helpful tips to consider: Don't be afraid to say NO. Take time to collect more information before making a decision. Ask advice from someone you trust. Make sure all your questions are answered. Don't feel pressured into committing before you have a chance to think things over or collect additional information. Don't give out any personal information to anyone you do not know or trust. Ignore and delete suspicious emails asking for money transfers or personal information. For more information on the programs and services available to older adults, please call the Seniors Information Line at 204-945-6565 or toll free 1-800-665-6565.  For more information about frauds go to www.antifraudcentre.ca   Don't forget about our main event this Fraud Prevention Month, a FREE shredding event at St. Vital Centre on March 27, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Look for the Shred-It van in the parking lot.   Further information on fraud prevention may be found at "A Winnipeg Minute, for March 2015": http://www.winnipeg.ca/Interhom/WinnipegMinute/default.stm   For further information contact either: Constable Jason Michalyshen, Public Information Officer Constable Eric Hofley, Public Information Officer Detective Sergeant Natalie Aitken, Public Information Officer Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe. Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.