Don’t get conned; check out Fraud Awareness Day

By Michelle Parker

Seniors’ safety coordinator

Guess what! I just won a trip to Cuba, and all I have to do is pay the tax up front…

I can’t believe it! I have this distant relative that just left me a whole lot of money in their will, and all I have to do is pay the lawyer fees…

Um, I don’t quite understand. I have a bill here from a company that I ‘ve never heard of, but they have all my information. I think someone may have stolen my identity, but how?

If you ever find yourself or anyone you know in any of these situations, beware. You’re a potential victim of a fraud or scam. It can be a horrible situation, especially since those targeted are usually the most vulnerable members of our community.

However, don’t dismay; we’re here to help and to arm you with the ammunition you need - knowledge.

A Fraud Awareness Day will be held in the Wolfville this month and all residents are welcomed and encouraged to come out. It’s a joint effort by the town, RCMP and the seniors’ safety coordinator.

On Nov. 29, from noon until 3 p.m., we are inviting everyone to come to the public works building located at 200 Dykeland Street in Wolfville. RCMP officers will be on hand to distribute information on various popular frauds and scams, how to recognize them, report them and decrease your risk of becoming a victim.

Also onsite there will be free shredding services provided, courtesy of Shred-It. It’s important to shred sensitive documents containing personal and financial information to help protect your identity.

If you would like to partake in this event, but are physically unable to make it to the site, public works has donated a truck, and student volunteers from Acadia University will be happy to come by and pick up any material you have. Simply call 542-2382.

If you find yourself wondering what material should and shouldn’t be shredded, you’re not alone. Many people think that shredding is only for large companies, however, this is not the case.

Any paper you have in your home that has your name, address, phone number, banking or credit card information should be shredded. A good rule is anything that contains a number should be shredded. Just think of all the material you throw into the garbage weekly containing your name and where you live.

This is all criminals need to gain additional pieces of information, like a driver’s license, health card and eventually a birth certificate or social insurance number.

Not all scams can be completely prevented. However, arming yourself with the right information and knowing what to look out for can help to cut down your chances of becoming a victim. So come out Nov. 29, shred some documents, gain some knowledge and a whole lot of confidence.