Toronto Police are warning seniors and other community residents to be wary of fraudsters who try to scam them out of their money through fake calls on the phone, through email or suspicious websites.
Members of a Cyber Crime Unit gave some useful tips to prevent fraud to more than 200 residents on January 23 at Our Lady Sorrows Catholic School, on Montgomery Rd.
Seniors and the elderly, are often preyed upon by hustlers and the meeting was organized by the 22 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), volunteers who work with officers on local policing issues.
“If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” warns Det. Alpha Chan. “People should know that the Canadian Border Services, Revenue Canada or the RCMP will never contact you by telephone.”
He says telephone conmen try to express urgency in their calls and often demand money or private information up front.
“These people use high-pressure tactics when they call and people should hang up the phone if in doubt,” Chan says. “Never give out your card, PIN numbers or personal information on the phone.”
He says many residents do not report the scams or money defrauded to police because ‘it is embarrassing for them.’
Chan is warning seniors or women to turn off their phone location devices when not in use and be wary of opening emails or websites which appear suspicious.
“People should always use a well-known respected company to make online purchases,” he says. “Some unknown websites or emails can contain viruses that will affect your computer when opened.”
Area councillor Stephen Holyday say many residents now have cameras and home security devices that are controlled online and should make sure they have proper Internet connections with ‘strong’ passwords to prevent thieves from gaining control of their homes.
Residents were told not to use their real names as part of their email address and never give out much of their personal information.
They must also regularly clear their web history, search engine history, cache and other systems to avoid data being stolen.
Seniors should be wary of a host of telephone telemarketing schemes and when in doubt hang up.
If you have require the help of police or to report incidents call 416-808-2200.