THE Scam Prevention for Seniors team of Vancouver Police took their roadshow to Sunset Community Centre to deliver information on fraud prevention to the South Asian community on October 19. All presentations were delivered in Punjabi.

There were 120 seniors in attendance. The seniors were educated on various topical scams that are targeting the senior demographic. This session was very engaging, and the seniors in attendance were given a safe platform to share their experiences and encounters with fraudsters.

One of the seniors in attendance showed officers a text message that he received from “Canada Post” earlier that day that was a scam. Another senior said on two separate occasions she was out for a walk in her neighborhood when she was approached and given a pitch for a distraction theft.

Officers discussed the common red flags of financial scams and distraction thefts, and they shared practical tips and safety measures seniors can implement to safeguard their financial information and assets.

“By understanding the warning signs, seniors can be better equipped to detect suspicious activities and protect themselves,” says Sgt. Rita Raj.

All attendees were provided with lunch and the seniors engaged in a lively trivia game and won prizes.

The attendees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Vancouver Police Department for planning such an event and delivering the information in Punjabi. The seniors felt comfortable and engaged that they were receiving the message in their native tongue.

People are more likely to understand and retain information presented in their native language, leading to better comprehension of the message, adds Detective Julie Gilmore.

Organizers Sgt. Rita Raj, Detective Constable Julie Gilmore, Detective Constable Mariya Zhalovaga, and Acting Sgt. Rob Dairon created and launched this new program to empower seniors with knowledge and to give them the tools to keep them safe from becoming a victim of a financial crime.

The Scam Prevention for Seniors Information sessions are free to all Vancouver community members and residents. The team of presenters is diverse and can speak multiple languages, so presentations can be customized to the language required for that location or neighbourhood.

Sgt. Raj explains: “We have over 30 dedicated police officers from diverse backgrounds who speak a multitude of languages who are well versed in these types of crimes targeting seniors”.

She adds: “Our team provides seniors with resources, such as contact information for reporting scams and fraud, which better equips them to take action when they suspect they’ve been targeted. Knowing where to turn for help is essential.”

If you are interested in having the VPD Scam Prevention team present to a group of 50 or more people at your chosen location, feel free to email Sgt. Rita Raj at rita.raj@vpd.ca to get more information and/or to schedule a presentation date.