Don't get fooled by scam artists

JENNIE VIRTUE SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Of the 878,000 seniors in British Columbia, 65,000 of them have been the victim of scam artists. Two-thirds of the victims are women. The majority of scams have involved sums over $5,000. Both men and women perpetrate these crimes by posing as bank officials, police officers or municipal workers. However, probably the most startling statistic is that 25 per cent of scams are committed by friends and family members.

This is just some of the information that was imparted to participants at a February lecture of the Empowerment series, which is co-sponsored by the Jewish Seniors Alliance and the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver's seniors department. The lecture was presented by the Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of Seniors (CEAS), a province-wide forum for individuals, seniors, community agencies and organizations, government and policymakers working together to eliminate the abuse of seniors. They provide a network for sharing information through workshops and programs, promote the rights and interests of seniors, and disseminate materials to educate seniors about their rights.

Many thieves target seniors because they are more trusting, or sometimes because they're lonely, and the thief will give the impression of being caring and helpful. Seniors often have a larger disposable income and can find it difficult to say no. Here are some things of which we all – not just seniors – should be aware.

Stop credit card fraud

There are more than 40 million credit cards in circulation in North America, with sales exceeding $100 million, but 13 per cent of these sales are fraudulent. The latest type of fraud is when scam artists pretend to be the credit card company calling to say that there's been a change in your spending and they want to verify it. Then they ask for your card number for verification; sometimes they only ask for the last four digits of the number plus your personal identification number (PIN).

The following tips can help keep you from becoming a victim:

• Never give out any part of your card number over the phone unless you have initiated the call for a specific purpose. No bank or financial institution will ask for your card number; they already know it.

• Keep your credit card limit low ($200-$300) when you're at home. If you are planning to make a big purchase, such as a vacation, call your credit card company to raise your limit for that specific purchase. You can also advise your credit card company when you will be taking a vacation and let them know where you'll be going so that they can flag your card.

• Never let your credit card out of your sight, even in a restaurant. Take the bill and your card up to the register yourself; don't give it to your server.

• Sometimes the safest place to use your credit card is over the Internet – as long as it's with a reputable company and you have initiated the purchase.

• Don't carry around all your credit cards; just the one(s) you need that day. Keep the others in a secure place at home. Remember to keep all your receipts so that you can check them off against your bill.

• Report a stolen credit card immediately otherwise you may be liable for any charges incurred.

Beware of identity theft

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in North America – accounting for $2.5 billion last year. In addition to mail theft, thieves go through garbage and recycling containers looking for bills and cancelled cheques. Don't throw out old bills with personal information; buy a cheap shredder and shred all the information before putting it in the garbage.

If you're mailing a letter containing a cheque, use an interior Canada Post mailbox, rather than one on the street. Better still, pay your bills at the bank in person, on the Internet or by phone. If it's a regular monthly bill, set up a pre-payment schedule at your bank.

General banking tips

Change your debit card PIN four times a year; don't write down the number or carry the number in your wallet or purse. To help you remember your PIN more easily, pick familiar or significant dates from history, e.g., the founding of the state of Israel or the Battle of Hastings – there are lots to choose from, but don't use your anniversary or birth date. And don't carry debit or credit cards in your wallet; keep them in an inside coat pocket and only use bank machines (ATMs) that are well used and well lit. As well:

• Have your pension and dividend cheques deposited directly into your account.

• Pay your bills by phone if possible.

• Check your bank statement as soon as it arrives to ensure its accuracy.

• Keep your cheques and chequebook at home.

• Don't carry your social insurance card with you.

• Never co-sign a loan; you are responsible if the person defaults. And never sign anything if you don't understand what it says or you can't read the small print. Take it to someone you trust to look over for you, such as a rabbi or doctor.
On hiring contractors

Before hiring a contractor, get bids from three other companies and at least five references from each. It's time consuming, but it could end up saving you thousands of dollars. Often contractors will "find" hidden damage when doing a job. If that happens, hire an independent expert to assess the damage first before going ahead with what might be a costly addition to your repair bill.

Never be pressured into buying something, no matter how good a deal. It may look or sound great, but it may end up costing you more or it may even be illegal. If it's legitimate, the deal won't disappear overnight. A reputable salesperson will give you a day or two to think it over.

Miscellaneous advice

If you don't know the person or company from whom you're buying, don't buy, especially using a credit card. If you initiate the transaction, then it's usually OK. If a salesperson calls you from a company you know, call them back before doing business or call the company from the phone number in the phone book to verify the person is who they say they are.

Nothing is free! If you have to pay out money for a "free" prize, it's a scam. Watch for bogus lotteries or sweepstakes that tell you to call a 1-900 telephone number – these calls are billed by the minute to your phone line.

If you receive unsolicited mail from a charity and you want to check if it is legitimate, call the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, charities division. To be removed from charity phone and e-mail lists, contact the Canadian Marketing Association.

Don't be fooled by snake old cures – bogus potions or pills that will ease away all your aches and pains, or melt those pounds away.

And one of the most common frauds involves foreign investments. A scam artist will target a specific group (for example by joining a religious or social group) and ingratiate themselves with certain members and then offer them the opportunity to be part of a "red hot" investment deal, usually in another country, which will guarantee high returns. Just say no!

Report fraud right away even if you are feeling embarrassed about being taken in. It's the only way to stop these thieves.

The next Empowerment lecture is From Aloe Vera to X-Rays: A First Aid Primer. It takes place at the JCC on May 11, at noon. The cost is $2 and all are welcome – bring a bag lunch; tea, coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, call Jennie Virtue, JSA, at 604-257-5100 or Linda-yael Iny, JCC Seniors, at 604-257-5111.

Useful phone numbers

• Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of Seniors (CEAS), 604-437-1940

• Telemarketing: PhoneBusters, 888-495-8501

• Direct Mail: Canadian Marketing Association, 416-391-2362, or Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, charities division, 800-267-2384

• Investment concerns: Investment Dealer's Association, 877-442-4322, or Canadian Securities Administration, www.csa-acvm.ca

• General questions: contact your local police station.

Jennie Virtue is the Jewish Seniors Alliance co-ordinator. This article was originally published in Senior Line and is reprinted with permission.

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