Delta police review how to stay safe online and on the phone during presentation last week at KinVillage
After hearing details on how to avoid a myriad of offline and online scams and crimes, one attendee summed up the advice.
“It’s scary out there. When in doubt, don’t push anything,” said the senior following a Delta police presentation on fraud last week at KinVillage in Tsawwassen.
Seniors are targeted for scams because they’re vulnerable, lonely or isolated, too trusting and may have cash saved up from a lifetime of hard work.
“You were raised to trust people and believe that people are out to do good things. Unfortunately, that is your biggest downfall, that is you are too trusting,” said Leisa Schaefer, media relations officer.
But younger people are also targeted and also trust too much such as when agencies hand over information without checking to see if it’s actually police making the request, said Const. Dustin Classen, with Delta police’s cyber crime unit.
Police gave safety tips on a raft of scams, some old and some new.
North 40 dog park a haven for thieves
Anti-fraud advice that dates from before the online world, is still valid.
For example, any paper statements or bills with personal info on them should be shredded or destroyed so information doesn’t find its way into a recycling box or dumpster. Also, from the pre-internet age, don’t leave your purse or wallet in your car, carry as little identification as…
