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7 | Friday, M a rc h 3 1 , 2 0 1 7 | S cam s use technology and em otion to b ilk people by Nathan Howes Oakville Beaver Staff Halton's growing seniors' population and advances in technology is allowing fraudsters to adapt scam tactics. That is according to Halton polices Regional Fraud Unit, which held a fraud prevention information session in Oakville March 23. March is Fraud Prevention Month, recognized by Halton police and government, consumer and volunteer agencies Canada-wide to raise awareness and educate the public on prevention. Fraud victims not only suffer direct financial loss, but may also endure the stressful process of reversing the damaging effects fraud and identity theft have on their credit and credit histories. Recognizing what could be a potential fraud is the first step in protecting yourself, police say; The two-hour session featured a presentation from five members of the unit - Det. Sgt. Chris Lawson, Det. Const. Mark Murray, Det. Const. Taylor Meyer, Det. Mark Underwood and Const. Derek DiFelice - discussing types of scams, how residents can protect themselves. Crimes such as fraud were generally a faceto-face interaction 20 years ago, Lawson said, whereas now it can be done from anywhere in the world using smartphones and laptops. "Fraud is very much a borderless crime. You can perpetrate fraud from a keyboard anywhere in the world," said Lawson. scams as well as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam, among others. A recurring theme among them is use of emotion and the con artist's ability not to outsmart, but to connect with their victim, Meyer said. "If you actually look at them without the emotion in them, you would see right away they are a scam. They want you to be overcome with fear, joy love... something to get you past actually looking seriously at the information provided to you," said Meyer. One of the red flags of a scam are mysteriously winning money in a lottery or contest you never entered, he said. see Fraudsters on p.10 OAKVILLE BEAVER ALL LOCATIONS ARE LOCATED INSIDE LONGOS & ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK "As the population gets older and is using technology, the criminals have adapted to prey on people with the technology." One of the fraud unit' s goals is to increase outreach and collaboration in the community. "This year we're really going to focus on trying to get the message out to the community about what the scams are and how to protect yourself," said Lawson. Every scam occurrence and report in Halton goes directly to the fraud unit, Lawson said, noting its intake office received more than 2,200 reports and saw almost 500 charges laid in 2016. Meyer discussed some ofthe common swindles that are popular among fraudsters, including the so-called Jamaican Lottery Grandson, Service, Computer, Emergency, Dating and Romance | w w w .in s id e H A L T O N .c o m MORLi .TTs p h a r m a c y Filling prescriptions. Fulfilling expectations. JVIORELLISPHARMACY.COM I ONLINE P RESCR IPTIO N RENEW AL I COMPOUNDING AVAILABLE I FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED W e h a v e a ll y o u r H e a lt h C a r e needs Have you had your flu shot? No appointment necessary Fast, professional services inside your Oakville and Burlington LONGO'S Bhandari Family D entistry returns to Oakville BRiNG iN YOUR FAMILY FOR A CHECK-UP AT OUR NEW MODERN CLiNIC Customer care is our core concern. Dr. Bhandari is an advocate of oral health with 31 years of experience. He and his team pride themselves fo r th e ir professional and comprehensive approach to dentistry. Dr. Bhandari has proudly worked with a number of celebrities throughout his career, helping them maintain their red carpet w orthy smiles! W hether you're looking fo r general maintenance, regular check-up treatm ents or cosmetic dentistry, we can help. Give Dr. Bhandari a call to book your appointm ent or consultation. FOREST GROVE Academy of Arts and Technology PRESCHOOL A R T & NATURE SUM M ER CAM P Join us for our Art & N a tu re S u m m e r C a m p w h e re w e 'll spend the days m aking friends, unique artw ork, and m em ories! DR. Bhandari B S c D IH D D S This patient w ent from a consultation to finished teeth injust a couple w eeks! W e can change lives... Call us to set up your free consultation. Full D ay C a m p runs fro m 9 :0 0 a m - 4:0 0 p m (H a lf D a y P ro g ra m , E a rly A rrival a n d L ate P ic k U p A v a ila b le ) $ 2 2 0 .0 0 /w e e k DR. ViNEET BHANDARi B S c D IH D D S W W W .FO RESTG RO VE.CA O FFICE@ FO RESTG RO VE.CA 2275 W E S T O A K TR A ILS BLVD. UNIT 3, O A K V ILLE 905 827-3085 - M o n d a y to Friday 7:30 - 5:00. Evening and Saturday appointments available. Palermo Professional Centre 2525 Old Bronte Rd., Suite 470 Oakville (at Dundas Street) · www.bhandaridental.com