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A recent information session in Kelowna has empowered a group of seniors from the Okanagan region to more effectively recognize and respond to various scams targeting their demographic.
“The scams are relentless and continually evolving. It’s challenging to keep pace with them,” noted Constable Mike Della-Paolera from the Kelowna RCMP. This assertion comes in light of a significant increase in scam reports this year.
Local police have documented over a dozen scams aimed at seniors since the beginning of the year, with estimates suggesting that the actual number of incidents might be higher, as many go unreported. Della-Paolera emphasized the relevance of current events in the scam landscape, stating, “There’s a lot happening globally that leaves people uncertain, and scammers exploit that uncertainty.”
Financial losses from confirmed scams have reached nearly $40,000, underscoring the severity of the issue. “This is a crime of opportunity,” Della-Paolera commented, highlighting the profitable nature of these schemes.
The scam awareness session took place thanks to the Society of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and support for many seniors in the area.
“Many individuals often feel ashamed or embarrassed after being scammed,” said Ken Zeitner, executive director of the Society of Hope. “They think, ‘What do I do now? Who can I talk to?’ By facilitating these sessions, we aim to raise awareness and support our community in becoming more informed.”
Feedback from participants highlighted the session’s effectiveness. “I feel much more aware of what to look out for now,” stated attendee Cathy Landry.
Winn Sherland, another participant, emphasized the importance of caution: “Always be careful and consult someone before making decisions.”
Della-Paolera has committed to ongoing outreach efforts to further enhance community awareness about scams. “The key message is if something doesn’t seem right, take a step back and reassess. Always consult trusted individuals or authorities and report any suspected scams immediately,” he advised.
Source
globalnews.ca