Senior Support Unit - DRPS Sgt. Sheri Tate #632 905-579-1520 Ext. 5624 632@drps.ca PC Dawna Murray #954 905-579-1520 Ext. 5617 954@drps.ca Senior Support Unit - DRPS

What Does the SSU Do? Consults Education: Police Officers, Public, Community Stakeholders Presentations on Frauds and Scams and Power of Attorney Check on the Well-being Calls TV Show: Seniors Talk with Sgt. Sheri Referrals, Workflow, Stats Wandering Registry and Flag Records

Three Types of Power of Attorney 1. POA for personal care 2. Continuing POA for property 3. Non-continuing POA for property All of these documents are in grave need of improvement

Why Do Cons Target Seniors Excessive ability – home during the day Trust – Older adults are often more trusting Polite – Older adults are raised to be respectful Finances – money or assets

Scams by Cons and Crooks Tell me the characteristics of a Con! Question: Are cons male or female? Are cons young or older? Are they poor or wealthy? Do they look sneaky and sly or just average? Do you wanna buy a watch Vs Bernie Matoff (64million) likely wouldn’t have been caught if he had of stopped at 30 million

Never be afraid to call police The police are “NEVER” too busy to answer your question or investigate an issue that you think might be suspicious.

Scams CRA Grandparent Door to Door Phishing Online dating Call up to fix computer, get credit card

Grandparent/Emergency Scam Stranger calls your house says he is your grandson You ask “is this Johnny” – now you have given him his name Also use obituaries to find out grandchildren’s names

High Pressure Door to Door Talk about “HIGH PRESSURE” Idea is that you have to buy “NOW” Anytime you are being pressured to buy NOW, chances are you will be getting a bad deal 10 days to get out of a contract Use referral system/google company NEVER LET STRANGERS INTO YOUR HOME !

Renovation Scams Unsolicited call to your door – don’t open if not expecting someone Tell you will give you deal now to fix – pavement scam Will put pressure on you to buy now, right now or won’t give you a deal If you need repairs, ask friends, neighbours, family who they recommend – call BBB do checks or Consumer Protection. Always get a contract in writing – get 3 estimates Take your time Never give large deposit Cheque to company not individual You have 10 days to cancel

You May Be A Target But You Don’t Have To Be A Victim! Diversion Meant to “divert” your attention Lots of different scams like this Parking lots, stores, anywhere Always have to be cautious when a stranger wants your attention You May Be A Target But You Don’t Have To Be A Victim!

General TIPS Watch out for products promoted by “prizes” or “free trips” SUCKERS LIST Resist pressure to act immediately Don’t buy on impulse Before buying or investing, check with family and friends or attorney Do not give your credit card over the phone unless you are sure who you are giving it to Do not give personal information over the phone

More TIPS Better Business Bureau 416-323-9946 or www.mwco.bbb.org Consumer Protection Branch 1-800-889-9768 or infomcs@ontario.ca Canadian Anti-fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501

The best tip to give you, and you are the generation that made this saying: If It Sounds Too Good To Be True IT IS!

What can you do if you or someone you know is a victim of a scam? Call police, tell someone Senior Support Unit Sgt. Tate (905) 579-1520, ext. 5624 PC. Murray (905) 579-1520, ext. 5617 Crimestoppers 1 800 222-TIPS (8477) Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1 888 495-8501

Dignity and Respect and Nothing Less There are many organizations out there ready to help seniors who are in need of assistance including the Durham Regional Police. Contact the Durham Regional Police, Senior Support Unit for assistance if you or someone you know may be the victim of abuse.

a final thought RESPECT the elderly when you‘re YOUNG HELP the weak when you’re STRONG ADMIT your mistakes when you’re WRONG Because one day, you will grow OLD and become WEAK and expect others to show you some RESPECT.