More than 40 turn out to hear about scams

By Rob Vogt
There are a lot of scams out there, and one of the target populations is seniors.
For that reason, Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services and the Cottonwood Village Retirement Residence teamed up on Sept. 10 to offer a session on scams and how seniors can protect themselves.
More than 40 people turned out to hear Gabrielle Kirk, of Senior Protect, who presented a short guide for recognizing pressure, protecting money, and responding without shame.
Her core message was: Stop. Verify. Report.
Kirk then discussed a variety of scams, beginning with telephone scams.
Common forms of telephone scams are the grandparent emergency; Canada Revenue Agency/Service Canada; bank investigator; tech support; and prize or refund calls scams.
Some red flags are the demand for urgent payment; secrecy; requests for gift cards/crypto/e-transfer; a spoofed caller ID; and threats or a command to “do not hang up.”
The response should be to hang up; call the person or agency using a trusted number; and talk to someone before paying.
Kirk said a trusted phrase is “I do not make financial decisions on the phone. I will call back using a number I trust.”
A second type of scam is the e-mail and text message scam.
Common forms of the e-mail and text message scam are parcel delivery texts; bank/security alerts; Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada emails; password reset notices; e-transfer requests; and prize offers.
Some red flags are an unknown sender, links or attachments; urgent deadlines; odd website addresses; requests for codes; login details; requests for gift cards; or payment.
Responses should include not clicking; going to the company website or app directly; calling a trusted number; and reporting/deleting the message.
Kirk said a quick rule is never clicking a link or opening an attachment until independently verified.
A third type of scam is the business and service scam.
Some examples of the business and service scam are fake invoices; fake delivery notices; home repair/door-to-door pressure; subscription renewals; and “discounted” cellphone plans.
Some red flags are an unexpected bill; changed payment details; pressure to pay now; a vague company name; and a request for codes or an account login while on the phone.
Responses should include verifying directly with the business; never using links or numbers from the message; and insuring they are licensed and insured.
Kirk said a good rule is providing no payment, signature, or access code until independently verified.
A fourth type of scam is the romance scam.
With this one, the scammer builds trust through attention, daily messages, shared grief, or promises of a future together.
The ask for money may be framed as an emergency, travel problem, medical bill, inheritance, or “safe” investment/crypto opportunity.
Red flags include secrecy; excuses not to meet in person or by video; fast intimacy; scripted stories; or pressure to move money.
Kirk said a protective question can be, “Has anyone I trust met this person in real life?”
She concluded by discussing what to do if something feels off.
The first step is to pause. Do not send money, codes, photos, or ID while pressured.
The second step is to verify. Use a trusted number, family code word, or second person.
The third step is to protect.
Call the bank/card company, change passwords, save evidence.
The final step is to report.
Call the local RCMP at 403-625-4445 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
The final message is: No shame. No blame. Scams are designed to create fear, secrecy, and speed.
Kirk then opened up the floor for questions and to share experiences.