Senior Safety Tip of the Month – August 2022

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Canadians of all ages can help prevent a hidden crime!

Human trafficking, or modern-day slavery is the control and transportation of individuals for the sex trade and forced labour. It’s a Criminal Code of Canada offence that can include established Canadian families, visitors, refugees and immigrants.

We can assist aggressive police investigations across North America by being aware of a few Human Trafficking signs and the increasing use of a subtle, plea for help hand signal used by a victim whose violent controller is close by.

The SOS or Signal for Help hand signal involves a hand being displayed towards you with open palm, thumb folded inward, and the fingers then being folded down trapping the thumb. This hand signal has successfully aided victims and may be seen through a moving car window, inside a roadside restaurant, while refueling near a major highway, etc. Other things to look for:

• A tired, unkempt, malnourished person or one who appears drugged, sedated or incoherent under constant direct supervision.
• An inappropriate age gap in a suspicious relationship.
• A potential victim forbidden to make eye contact or speak freely.

What should you do next if you spot the hand signal and/or suspicious behaviour? If abuse or threat of violence is clear, call 911. Take a photo if it can be done without detection. Observe vehicle details of people, vehicle, plate numbers, direction of travel etc., and report those details to Police or transportation authorities ASAP.

You can learn more about the scope, the psychology, the investigations, charges and convictions surrounding Human Trafficking and important initiatives on the websites of the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP.

A Senior Safety Tip Special Report

Aggressive Charitable Donation Requests: Two Step Protection Program

If you’re comfortable donating to a trusted, legitimate non-profit that respects you and your money, please continue. However, if you find yourself being approached by an aggressive or unscrupulous organization, follow Sergeant Bob’s easy two step program before donating your money or sharing any financial information:

1. When approached by an organization, ask for the registered name (both spelling and abbreviations) and most importantly, their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charitable registration number.
• Visit Canada.ca and search for the List of Charities.
• Ensure the organization is REGISTERED, not fraudulent, under review, penalized, suspended or cancelled.
• Entering the charitable registration number under “Advanced search” yields a faster, more accurate search than the name.

2. If approached by an organization in person, by phone, online or via mail, follow Sergeant Bob’s tried & true C.P.R. test, and stop the discussion IMMEDIATELY if you feel:
• C – Confused… about the organization, where your money is actually going, payment plans, etc.
• P – Pressured… about the results, fears and feeling of guilt of not donating.
• R – Rushed… into quickly donating, sharing PIN information, eliminating your research time.

To learn more about Sergeant Bob’s C.P.R. test - “First Aid” for Potential Fraud Victims, Click Here.

Senior Safety Tips COVID-19 Update

FRAUD ALERT: Investment Safety Reminder for Seniors

Sergeant Bob doesn’t provide investment advice but does remind investors – seniors in particular – to slow down and do your research before investing, especially during COVID-19 when scammers have been more aggressive.

This is a timely reminder, following an extensive RCMP investigation and January 2022 sentencing of two Individuals convicted of defrauding 1,900 investors out of millions. Even with the conviction, the chance of victims recovering any lost money is low.

It may sound simple, but alarm bells should be going off when a deal sounds “too good to be true”, such as the promise of high return with NO risk. Other signs to watch for include the advisor and/or company no being registered, any suggestion of insider information, and being forced to “invest now”.

Sergeant Bob recommends that you follow his general C.P.R. fraud prevention guidelines, and stop the investment process if:

• C – you are feeling CONFUSED • P – you are feeling PRESSURED • R – you are feeling RUSHED.

For tips on avoiding investor fraud and professional advice on ethical investing, individuals and investment firms look to:

• The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre • Canadian Securities Administrators

Senior Safety Tips COVID-19 Update

Respect Disabled Parking Spots: “I was only there for a minute” doesn’t just cut it!

Because of COVID-19, you’ll likely see changes to parking lots and signage as we adapt to pedestrian access, physical distancing, cart sanitizing, barriers, etc. Let’s take care of those who need our assistance whether it’s inside the building or in the parking area.

It should go without saying that the designated parking spots and disabled permits are intended to minimize discomfort and risk to individuals dealing with a temporary or permanent health issue. And yet, some drivers without the legitimate permit routinely use the spots marked for disabled parking.

• If you have a legitimate parking permit, ensure that it is CLEARLY DISPLAYED so there’s no confusion or argument.
• STAY OUT of the spots designated for disabled parking unless you are authorized to use them.

When the appropriate charge is laid by police or bylaw officer, the common response is “But I was only in the spot for a minute”. This excuse is of no interest to the person laying the charge or to the person with a disability circling the parking lot in frustration.