Talk to Seniors About #PhoneAFriend

Police are appealing to the public to talk to seniors in their lives about active scams and ask them to phone a friend whenever they feel unsure about a phone call or visitor to their home. 

#PhoneAFriend campaign is meant to appeal to those who use social media to talk to seniors who may not use the platform to see the information. Talk to seniors! Ask them to phone a friend whenever they feel intimidated or unsure. Talk to them about the kind of scams that are active and tips for protecting themselves!

Phone and Door-to-Door Scams are on the Rise

Seniors are often the target of scams because:
•They are usually home during the day
•They have the money and/or info the scammer and fraudsters are looking for
•Are generally more trusting of authority and information presented to them

Typical scams include:
•Scammer acts as a lawyer, police officer or government official and seek owed money.
•Scammers pretend to be helping a loved one and request money to bail them out of jail.
•Scammers attempt to contact those on dating sites and build a relationship then ask for a “loan.”
•Scammers try to get your personal information such as account, PIN and credit card details or SIN information.
•Scammers try to convince you that you have won a lottery and must pay money to release your winnings.

Tips for Protecting Yourself From Scammers
• Never open the door or invite anyone into your home that you don’t know or recognize. Use your peephole, chain lock or talk through a locked storm door if possible.

• End any conversation when you feel threatened or intimidated. Call someone you trust to discuss.

• Before you do or sign anything: Stop, think and then think some more. Call someone you trust to discuss if you feel at all unsure about what is going on.

• Police, bailiff or government officials will NEVER attend your home or call you to collect money; and they will never have you wire money, use gift cards or deposit directly into a bank account.

• Create a safety word with family so if you are called asking to help, the person calling can provide the safe word.

• Anyone telling you NOT to tell anyone is a red flag and probably a scam. Call someone you trust.

• If they tell you that you must act quickly, remember that “Speed is Greed.”

• Don’t call back the number the fraudster provides you. Always call someone you trust to discuss.

• Tell seniors to phone a friend! If it seems too good to be true or if you feel at all intimidated, call someone you trust. #PhoneAFriend

If you are a victim of a fraud, report it to police: 888-579-1520

For more information on frauds and tips, please see:
https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/fraud-and-financial-crimes/