Delta Seniors 2023 by Delta Optimist

SeniorsSafety 2023 EDITION COURTESY OF FREE!

As we ageandbegintolose ourmobilityandsenseof balance,bathingcannotonly becomedifficultbutalso a causeofadditionalstressand anxiety

Fearoffallingand afearofnot beingabletogetoutofthetub aretwo ofthemostcommon occurrenceswithmany ofour seniorstoday.Walk-intubshave become extremelypopularin thelastdecadeandestimates show thatpeoplewhogoahead andinstall awalk-intubintheir homestoday, willbeabletolive independently foranadditional fiveyears.

Walk-intubsare exactlywhat thenameimplies,tubsthathave largedoorsthatopen,and you simply walkinandsitdownon a 17-inch-highseat. Youclose andlockthedoorandthetub fills rapidlywhile youaresitting. comfortablyandsafelyinside.All thetapsandcontrolsareeasily accessibleat yourfingertips.Once youaredone yourbath,turn the

dialandthetubquicklydrains and yousimplyopenthedoor and walkoutofthetub.The

variousmodelsallhave numerous grabbarsandnon-slipsurfaces makinggettinginandout worry free. Walk-intubsaredesigned for anagingpopulationwhodesire toremainindependent formany yearstocome.

Manufacturershave optionaltub designsaccommodating every shapeandsizeofpersonand bathroom.Thereis a tubsize thatwill fit inthespacewhere your existingtuborshoweris.

Walk-intubscanbeasbasic as a soakertubtoasdeluxe as your ownpersonalspa.Offering numerousoptionssuchasheated back,multispeed warm airjets, waterjets, ozone,lighttherapy, aromatherapy, andmore.

Thebenefitsof awalk-intub arenumerous.Many people crave beingabletoconfidently havea bathagain andfindrelief by justsoakingin awarm tub.

Ownerssay they believe they

sleepbetterafter a soothing bath.The warm airor water jetsgivea deepmassageand helptostimulatecirculation, thuscarryingadditionalhealing oxygenthroughoutthebody tothehandsand feet.Thishas shownpositive resultsincreasing

mobilityandhelpingtorelieve thepainandsymptomsofsuch conditionsasarthritis,chronic backpain,fibromyalgia,diabetic andperipheralneuropathy, as wellas variousotheracuteand chronicconditions.

TheCanadianGovernment

websitestatesthat 1 in 4 seniors fall everyyear, and25%ofthese fallsareserious,leavingthe victimspermanentlydisabledand bedridden. A largepercentage ofthesefallstake placein thebathroom.Asidefromall thepainandsufferingitalso endsupcostingtheCanadian medicalsystemtwo billion dollarsannually Therefore,the BritishColumbiaand Federal Governmentsarehelpingmany peoplewhodecidetopurchase awalk-intubnow. Thehelp comesinthe formsof a taxcredit, a ProvincialSales Tax waiver, andincertainqualifyingcases a $7,500.00GovernmentGrant.

As we allageandthe yearsfly by, many seniorsarefacedwith therealitythattakingproactive stepstoday anddecidingto retrofit theirhomeswith awalk-in tubisoneofthebestinvestments they canmake tohelpthem ageinplace,comfortablyand independentlyinthehomethey love.

A2 DELTA OPTIMIST | MARCH 2023 SeniorsSafety 2023

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PAGE 04 Directory

PAGE 05 A message from your Delta Police Dept.

PAGE 06 Keep In Touch Program (KIT)

PAGE 06 Beware of Fraudsters and Scammers

PAGE 08 Preventing Theft From Auto

PAGE 09 Online Account Security Tips

PAGE 10 Password Security Tips

PAGE 12 Elder Abuse

PAGE 13 Phishing Safety Tips

PAGE 14 Citizens Are Active (CASA)

PAGE 16 Volunteer Opportunities with the Delta Police

PAGE 17 General Seniors Awareness

PAGE 18

Romance Scams

PAGE 19 Social Media Safety Tips for Seniors

PAGE 20 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness For Seniors

PAGE 22 Distraction Thefts Targeting Seniors

PAGE 23 Elder Scams

A3 SeniorsSafety 2023 MARCH 2023 | DELTA OPTIMIST Available online at www.delta-optimist.com SeniorsSafety 2023 CONTENT

604.946.4451 5008 47A AVENUE • LADNER, BC V4K 1T8 PUBLISHED BY A DIVISION OF Supporting Seniors and the Community for over 100 years. Your Community News Editorial Team... In Print and Online

A message from your Delta POLICE

January 25, 2023

To our community:

Our community-first policing approach at the Delta Police Department (DPD) supports our “No Call Too Small” philosophy. We take tremendous pride our community feeling safe; this means that the little things that matter to the community, matter to us.

Our community-first policing approach at the Delta Police Department (DPD) supports our “No Call Too Small” philosophy. We take tremendous pride in our community feeling safe; this means that the little things that matter to the community, matter to us.

The DPD team is here to answer questions and provide tips for fraud prevention and personal safety. Our human instincts and intuitions are excellent. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t. Please do not ever hesitate to contact our main line or our District Community Police Offices if you have questions, we are always happy to help.

This publication aims to assist in opening communication channels between seniors, the DPD and the community at large. Our commitment to you is that our team will continue to forge strong relations with the community in the interest of the safety and well-being for all of our community members.

Sincerely,

Sincerely, Chief Neil Dubord, Delta

Police Department

Keep In Touch Program (KIT)

Simran Khabra Volunteer Coordinator, Delta Police

Engaging seniors in our community is important to retain their participation within society. Research indicates that approximately 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of becoming socially isolated.

The Keep in Touch (KIT) Program was established to initiate contact with seniors in our community who are living alone and may be experiencing medical issues. Our volunteers directly contact the clients at a scheduled time to check in on their well-being, provide camaraderie, and in some cases, remind them to take medication.

Prior to taking on a new client, an interview is conducted in which a short history of the client is recorded. All volunteers who participate in the KIT program have undergone a background check with the Delta Police Department.

• Friends and family members

• Senior outreach programs

• Doctors

• Long-term care workers

• Police

• The public

Please contact the KIT coordinator at KIT@deltapolice.ca for referrals or additional program information.

Beware of Fraudsters and Scammers

We have all heard of:

Buyer beware, you don't get something for nothing, if it is too good to be true, it probably is...

Nothing is more important than remembering these phrases to protect ourselves from scams and frauds. Disturbing data shows that while the average loss from scams and frauds for those in their 50's is $324, it jumps to $426 for those in their 60's, $635 among 70-somethings, and $1,300 among those in their 80's. There are many WARNING signs of a potential fraud or scam. Here are three significant WARNING signs to look out for:

• An urgent tone or fear-inducing message: something that wants to make you act now without any consultation with family, friends or the police.

• Anyone who asks for personal information: banking information, credit card data, social insurance numbers and passwords should never be shared.

• Unexpected or unsolicited contact: random emails, phone calls or texts from people you don't know should always be considered suspicious.

Trust your instincts if you are suspicious that you are communicating with a scammer or fraudster. End the communication and talk to someone about it. The Delta Police Department is committed to a policing philosophy of No Call Too Small – so if something doesn't sound right, give us a call; we are always available to assist.

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PREVENTING

REMEMBER THESE TIPS THEFT FROM AUTO

A/Sgt. Ken KIRK #1956 Delta Police

There are few things worse than returning to your vehicle from a pleasant walk or other activity, to find that your vehicle has been targeted by thieves. Theft from automobiles is a crime of opportunity, and too often, the opportunity is created by the owner of the vehicle.

In 2022, the Delta Police received 753 reports of theft from autos across the three communities of North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen. Many of these thefts could have been prevented if the vehicle owners

had taken a few simple steps to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Thieves often target vehicles that have been parked in an area they know the owner will not be returning to for a period of time. These locations include shopping malls, dog parks, dyke access points, sporting events or even our own driveways at night. Some simple steps you can take to make your vehicle less desirable to thieves include:

BCSeniors Week

Lock your doors and windows;

Ensure there are no valuables visible to a would-be thief from outside the vehicle;

Park in a well-lit area at night;

If possible, park in an area with video surveillance;

If possible, park in a secure garage or compound;

Employ a vehicle alarm;

Leave no valuables in vehicle period (I.D., money, banking info etc.)

Simply locking your doors can help prevent a theft. Thieves will typically try door handles and if the door is locked, will move on to another vehicle unless there are valuables in plain view.

If you witness someone suspicious looking into or loitering around parked vehicles, contact the Delta Police via 9-1-1 for a crime in progress or 604.946.4411 for a late report.

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Online Account Security Tips

In today's networked world, it's almost impossible to exist without signing up for online accounts, whether that be email, online bank access,

• Absolutely do not re-use passwords across multiple accounts - if you do, and your password from one such account is stolen, the suspects can gain access to all the accounts using that password (known as credential stuffing);

• If you're having trouble remembering all your passwords, use a password manager, which can keep track of those passwords for you;

• Enable Two-factor Authentication for any of your online accounts that support it

mobile phone app accounts or any number of other services that have moved online. Here are a few tips to keep your data safe:

• An example would be logging into your online bank with your username and password, but then also having to enter the code sent by text message to your phone;

• Never login to your online banking or other sensitive services from public Wifi, as it's not secure and your data could be compromised;

• Keep your computer device updated and make sure to use a firewall and an anti-virus program to keep your device safe.

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While these tips should help keep you safe, they don't address what to do if one of your online accounts is taken over by an unknown

• Contact the company as soon as possible at a known good contact phone number - this is especially important if the compromised account is your bank account;

• Many online service providers do not have a contact phone number - in this case, the companies often have other contact options on their website, either email or online chat;

person. In this case, try the following tips for being safe while getting back into your account:

• Some service providers will have difficulties in validating your identity and unfortunately, you may not be able to get back in.

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A9 SeniorsSafety 2023 MARCH 2023 | DELTA OPTIMIST

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PASSWORD SECURITY TIPS

Cybercriminals have identified seniors as prime targets for theft/ fraud related to the illegal use of passwords. You can protect personal information and keep important accounts from becoming compromised.

mediapartner:

It’s important to consider strong password security. Here are tips to help create strong passwords and keep seniors safe from hackers.

THINGS TO DO

1. Log out of accounts when finished, especially bank accounts.

2. Download security software. Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. It’s important for your devices to have all the latest malware protection.

3. Avoid logging into accounts with sensitive information when on public computers (eg, in libraries) or when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections (such as in a restaurant, mall, or airport). These connections are not secure, making it easier for hackers to steal passwords.

4. Frequently change your passwords.

5. Create longer passwords (with at least 8 characters), including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

6. Check your password strength when prompted as you create it. Many websites will give feedback and suggestions for stronger passwords.

7. Enable a 2-Step verification when it is available. It’s beneficial to have an extra level of protection. This works when your phone number or email address is connected to an account. When you log in, you’ll receive a text or email with a code that you will then have to enter to get access to your account.

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8. Change your password immediately if your password becomes compromised.

THINGS NOT TO DO

1. Don’t share your passwords with anyone else. Banks/ businesses will never ask for your password, so beware of emails or calls in which people impersonate trusted sources in an effort to retrieve your password.

2. Don’t allow others to see you enter your password. Be cautious when logging into an account in a public space.

3. Don’t use the same password for multiple websites and applications. It’s especially important to have unique passwords for banking apps/websites.

4. Don’t repeat old passwords or use ones that are very similar to previous passwords.

5. Don’t write passwords down. Instead, it’s better to download a password manager. A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store and manage their passwords so you don’t have to remember every password for every account you have, only the “master password”.

6. Don’t use personal information that can be found with only minimal research–family member names, pet names, favourite sports teams, birth dates, etc.

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Cst. Joe DASILVA Community Support Section Delta Police

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ELDER ABUSE KNOW THE SIGNS, AND IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. ELDER ABUSE NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED AND REPORTED.

Cst Geoff Young #2605-Ladner District Liaison Officer- Delta Police Dept

According to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary, a senior citizen is "an elderly person, especially a person over 65", however there are several factors associated to elder abuse and age isn’t as definitive as their vulnerability. Elder abuse can take place in many different ways, there is physical, financial, emotional, and sexual abuse. Neglect and abandonment is also a form of abuse and the mistreatment may be from a family member, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends. The victims of elder abuse tend to mostly be women but some are men. Likely victims are generally older adults who have no family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for care, or help with everyday activities, like personal hygiene, getting dressed, and taking medications.

Here are a few signs of elder abuse or neglect: When one stops taking part in activities they once enjoyed. One’s personal appearance is in a poor state, dirty clothes and hair. One becomes withdrawn or acts agitated or violent. Has unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, and scars; and also displays signs of trauma, like rocking back and forth. One develops bed sores or preventable conditions. One lacks medical aids like glasses, a walker, hearing aids, or medications. Has an eviction notice for unpaid rent, or unpaid bills despite having adequate financial resources.

Often times there is reluctance to report as the victim may fear that it will get back

to the abuser and make the situation worse. Most physical wounds heal in time. But elder abuse can lead to early death, harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, cause devastating financial loss, and more.

GRANDPARENTS SCAM

Grandparent scams (also called grandchild scams or bail scams) are common scams that target seniors. These scams usually involve a phone call from someone who pretends to be your grandchild. If you get a call like this, be prepared: the scammer may already know your grandchild’s name and what your grandchild calls you, for example like Nana, or Grandad

Acting as your grandchild, the scammer claims to be in trouble and asks for your help. The scammer may also

state that they are a lawyer representing your grandchild and try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or has been arrested. You may be asked to wire money, bitcoin, or purchase gift cards and send them right away, without telling anyone.

What To Do?

If you receive a call like this, DON’T wire the money or give the caller any further information. Hang up and call your grandchild, or another family member, to find out what’s really going on. Then report the scam to:

Your local police

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Toll-free at 1 888 495-8501

Email info@antifraudcentre.ca

Website: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

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Cst Geoff Young #2605-Ladner District Liaison Officer- Delta Police Dept

PHISHING SAFETY TIPS

BE ON THE LOOKOUT. MESSAGES ARE EASILY FABRICATED!

Phishing remains a popular tool for fraudsters. Phishing involves a scammer calling, texting or emailing the victim while pretending to be from a legitimate source, with the goal of having the victim click on a malicious link, provide their login credentials or provide their personal identifying

information. Victims of phishing are very vulnerable to identity theft, and just clicking on the malicious link can lead to viruses and other malware being downloaded on your device. Here are a few tips to avoid being victimized:

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Know that reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text.

• Ignore communications from unknown contacts.

• Delete suspicious messages as they can carry viruses.

• Don't reply to spam messages, even to unsubscribe, and don't open any attachments or follow any links.

• To verify a hyperlink without clicking, hover your mouse over it. Carefully check if it is accurate.

• Update your antivirus software on all devices.

• Never use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious message—use contact information listed on verified websites.

• If you receive an unexpected communication pretending to be from a company you deal with, call that company directly and confirm the legitimacy of the communication.

• Never click on the link in an email or text message, unless you’ve already confirmed it’s legitimate;

• If using a computer, hovering over the hyperlink with your cursor will show the real destination of the link; phishing link destinations often don’t match with what’s written.

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CASA (CITIZENS ARE SECURITY ACTIVE)

Cst. Leisa Schaefer Community Support Section Delta Police

Residential Homes

Vacant homes are prime targets for burglars. Whether you are on vacation, in the hospital, or away from your home for some other

reason, our volunteers will conduct home security checks to your Delta residence provided there are no tenants or anyone else in the home.

The CASA program allows home owners to authorize volunteers to perform random perimeter checks of your residence ensuring all doors, windows, and gates are secured.

• Doors to the front entrance must always be kept locked

• Please wait for the gate to close on underground parking when entering and leaving the building

• Do not store valuable items in underground storage lockers (especially if contents of locker are visible).

• Ensure that children know that they are not to open the door to anyone

• Make sure all windows and patio doors are locked when not at home

• Discourage entering and leaving by patio doors

• Use your peephole

• Lock up even for a quick errand

• Make sure your intercom system does not use your suite numbers as an index

• Do not use first names or Mr. or Mrs. on intercom listings or name plates

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Before you go away, visit one of our DCPO offices and fill out a CASA request form.

Apartment Security

The following tips are being provided for your information and we hope that you will assist in making your building a tougher target for criminals and, as a result, deter crime.

• Join a Block Watch in your area or start one up for your building

• Be responsible about security. Remember good neighbours look after each other. Get to know other people who live on your floor so you may be able to identify strangers in your building. If you would like to start Block Watch in your area or have other questions or concerns in regards to the security in your building, please feel free to contact your local Community Police Station. Don’t be an easy target, be aware and be safe.

• Protect yourself and your belongings.

• Call the police immediately to report suspicious individuals or vehicles sighted in your building. Note descriptions of suspect individuals, height, weight, age, race, hair colour/ style and clothing. For vehicles make note of the licence plate, make, model, colour and other distinguishing features such as damage, customized paint, pin striping or special wheels.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS

It costs about $475, with taxes, to put in place a Power of Attorney to appoint a trusted person to act for you when you are legally unable to manage your affairs and property due to, for example, a car accident or an unforeseen medical condition.

When you lose legal capacity, the bank will freeze your assets, even while the housing and stock markets are dropping, until the bank is provided a valid Power of Attorney Deed or a court

order to appoint someone to administer your affairs and assets. How will your bills be paid? If a court order is needed because the incapable person did not have a valid POA, that will typically take 6 months to 1 year and cost about $6,000, assuming no one contests the appointee. Apart from the costs and stress, a lot can happen during the court wait. Come meet with us and we will help you avoid such pitfalls by putting in place a sound estate plan.

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Volunteer Opportunities with the Delta Police

Simran Khabra Volunteer Coordinator, Delta Police

The Delta Police Department is supported by countless volunteers who dedicate their time and commitment to our offices. Without their assistance, the Delta Police would not be in a position to provide the wide range of programs and safety initiatives that are currently in operation.

Our District Community Police Offices (DCPO’s) work with members of the community to provide a range of communitysafety programming. The Delta Police Department has 3 DCPOs, located in North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen.

The volunteers conduct numerous programs to educate members of the public on several safety concerns, including Community Crime Watch, Speed Watch and Bike Patrol. Seniors who have completed their professional careers and are looking for ways to give back to their communities are good candidates for the DPD community volunteer program.

Basic Requirements for a Volunteer:

• Citizenship: Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Minimum Age: 19 years of age or older

• High School: High School

Graduation Certificate or GED

• Character: Excellent character with a demonstration of integrity

• Language Skills: Must have a good command of the English language, both written and spoken

• Background Check: A security clearance is part of the application process and must be maintained throughout volunteering. All applicants will be asked to complete background security forms if selected to move forward

Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are expected to

adhere to the following:

• One year commitment following training

• Sign agreement on ethics, confidentiality and volunteer agreement

• Attend all sessions of basic program training

• Attend volunteer meetings as scheduled

• Must complete a minimum of 4 hours per week

Apply:

To submit your application and begin volunteering with the Delta Police Department, please visit deltapolice.ca and click on Join DPD.

DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER’S AND WANDERING

Oneof the most common safety concerns for families with a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s is that they will leave the house and get lost, or hurt. If we examine the reasons that someone leaves the home it can help us to understand why it occurs and what we can do to try and reduce the chance of it happening.

In their minds there is usually a reason to leave the safety of the home. They may believe that they have to be somewhere (work, home, appointment) or they have an unmet need (hungry, tired, lonely). Families, or caregivers, can sometimes utilize technology to help with this situation.

Some examples include

motion sensor alarms on the doors, or driveway, deadbolts, where appropriate, on doors to the outside or even more advanced utilizing a GPS tracking device. If your loved one has a smartphone ensure that the GPS tracking is installed and that you can access the APP and know how to navigate it. Air tags are another device that can be fitted in shoes, purses/ wallets, jackets or vehicles and will give you real time information on their location. Another device is a medical alert device that includes the capability of GPS tracking.

Talk to your medical provider for options that are used in your area and incorporate any that you feel comfortable using.

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General Seniors Awareness

Senior safety from crime is an important issue as older individuals may be more vulnerable to scams, theft, and other forms of exploitation. Here are a few tips for keeping seniors safe from crime:

AWARENESS:

Seniors should be aware of common scams, such as telemarketing fraud, identity theft, and fake sweepstakes, and take steps to protect themselves from these types of crimes. This may include being cautious about giving out personal information over the phone or online, and not responding to unsolicited offers.

SECURE PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Seniors should keep personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account information, secure and limit the amount of personal information that they share with others. This can include using strong passwords and regularly monitoring bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity.

AVOID UNFAMILIAR INDIVIDUALS:

Seniors should be cautious about opening their door to unfamiliar individuals, and consider using a peephole or

security system to verify the identity of visitors. They should also be wary of individuals who ask for money or offer unsolicited services.

BE MINDFUL OF SURROUNDINGS:

Seniors should be mindful of their surroundings, especially when they are out in public, and take steps to protect themselves from potential crimes. This can include avoiding dark and isolated areas, carrying a personal alarm, and being aware of their surroundings when using an ATM or shopping.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

If seniors witness or are the victim of a crime, they should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. This can help to prevent further crime and ensure that the individuals responsible are held accountable.

In conclusion, senior safety from crime is a critical issue that requires awareness and action. By taking steps to protect themselves from scams, theft, and other forms of exploitation, seniors can stay safe and secure, and continue to live full and fulfilling lives. Whether it is being mindful of personal information, avoiding unfamiliar individuals, or reporting suspicious activity, there are many ways to keep seniors safe from crime.

A17 SeniorsSafety 2023 MARCH 2023 | DELTA OPTIMIST

1 2 3 4 5

ROMANCE SCAM

Whilethe Delta Police have increasingly seen fraudsters move into cryptocurrency investment scams, the seniors of Delta need to stay alert to another serious scam that can cost them their entire life savings - the romance scam. Here, the scammer uses online social networking sites and online dating sites to make a connection with their victims, often those who have recently lost a spouse, before draining them dry - emotionally and financially.

Typically, the scammer will setup profiles in a fictitious name, using photos they’ve found elsewhere on the internet. They might present themselves as living locally, but currently working or volunteering overseas, such that they can’t meet in person. Once they’ve initiated contact, they

shower their prospective victim with attention and kindness and quickly express their growing love. Many months might pass without the mention of money, while the scammer develops trust with the victim. Eventually, the scammer asks for money, either for an emergency or to fund their return home to unite with the victim. One incident after another is imagined by the scammer, inducing the victim to continue paying. The relationship is often so real to the victim that many refuse to believe it’s a fraud, even after depleting their accounts of hundreds of thousands of dollars, all sent to someone they’ve never met.

If you recognize any of the above in your current online relationship, or that of a friend, follows these tips:

If you feel you’ve been the victim of a romance scam, or if you suspect someone you know has been victimized, please report to your local police.

• Don’t ever give any money, especially by cryptocurrency, which cannot be recalled. Instead, discuss the situation with a family member or friend you trust;

• If you’re not certain your partner is real, search for them on Google. Most real people leave traces of themselves online; if there are none to be found, they’re probably not real;

•Try doing an online image search of your partner’s profile picture, as it may be found elsewhere on the internet under other people’s names – a strong indicator of fraud;

• Don’t share intimate photos with people you have not met in person, as they could be used for extortion later.

Sale of merchandise scams

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Scammers can pose as buyers.

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If you sell items online, either personally or as part of a business, you need to be careful whom you sell to as there is a risk of being targeted by tricksters who want to take your merchandise, money, or both.

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In one version, the fraudster will agree to buy your item without seeing it. You'll get a PayPal or email money notification that claims the payment is pending.

The catch is, the notification will say the payment will only be released when you provide a tracking number for the goods. By the time you enter the tracking number, you'll have already shipped the merchandise only to learn that the payment notification was a fake.

In other cases, you might get paid with a fake money transfer, a fraudulent cheque or a stolen credit card.

In another version, the scammer may send you a message that says the payment can't be sent due to

a problem with your PayPal or bank account. You'll be asked to pay a fee to obtain a business account to complete the transaction. The scammer offers to pay the fee if you reimburse them using a transfer or wire service. If you agree, the "fee" money will go to the con artist.

Tips to protect yourself:

• Always meet in a local, public and safe place to complete an exchange.

• Beware of generic emails with bad grammar.

• Beware of far away buyers who want to buy products or other items without seeing them.

• Verify the sender's email address—scammers will often create addresses that are very similar to legitimate ones, with just one or two different letters.

• Never send money to get money.

A18 DELTA OPTIMIST | MARCH 2023 SeniorsSafety 2023

SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS

Cst. Leisa Schaefer Community Support Section Delta Police

According to research data, 59% of adults age 65 and older are online, and 46% of those adults are using social media. Studies have shown there are health benefits for seniors using social media. It can reduce the symptoms of depression, loneliness and the feeling of isolation. If your senior loved one is using social media, here are a few ways he or she can stay safe

from online risks.

Be Mindful Of Adding Personal or Financial Information to Social Media Sites: Social media websites will never ask for personal information such as bank account info and social insurance numbers. Make sure your loved one knows not to post personal information and to leave a conversation if the person

or website asks for it.

Take Extra Precautions With Passwords: Many seniors use passwords that are easy for criminals to guess such as birthdates and anniversaries. Make sure your loved one understands how to create a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols. Make sure your loved one knows never to give the password out to anyone.

Check The Privacy Settings: If your loved one has concerns about privacy, show him or her how to double-check the settings. Explain who can and can’t see the content your loved one posts online. By controlling their privacy settings, they can make those choices about what gets shared, where and with whom.

Privacy of Others: It’s a good idea for your loved one to understand what not to post about other people. Tell them it’s always best to ask people before posting anything on their behalf, which includes tagging people in posts.

Avoid Giving Out Your Current Location:

It’s always fun to post vacations pictures and tell everyone about an upcoming party, but make sure your loved one understands that posting exact location information can be a safety risk for them. Burglars may see your loved one isn’t home and attempt to break into his or her house. A better idea is to show off those holiday pictures and party pictures once the event is over.

Stay With People You Know:

If your loved one is interested in talking to new people, help him or her to find a safe outlet to do so such as Community Centres and faith-based organizations. Teach your loved one that scammers may pose as potential friends to gain trust and information that they can use against them at a later date.

Fancy, L. (2019, December 18). How Can Older Adults Safely Use Social Media? Home Care Assistance Winnipeg, Manitoba. https://www. homecareassistancewinnipeg.ca/howcan-seniors-use-social-media-safely/

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FIRE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY

Older adults may face decreased mobility, cognitive confusion, sight and hearing loss that can all impact your ability to respond and take the quick steps necessary in an emergency situation. We've assembled some of the most recommended fire safety and emergency preparedness tips for seniors to help guide you on some of the things you should do to prevent fires and reduce the likelihood of injury should one occur. In case of a large scale catastrophe, it is also important to take the time to plan ahead and make an emergency preparedness plan and kit.

To begin, here is a list of fire safety tips based on recommendations from the NFPA:

PLEASE TAKE THESE STEPS TO PREVENT FIRES

When you cook, stay in the kitchen while the oven or stove is on and move things that can burn away from the stove.

Know what to do if food catches fire in a pan. The National Fire Protection Association recommends sliding a lid on the pan and turning off the burner. If the fire is too large to control, immediately go outside and call the fire department.

Always check to make sure burners and the oven are turned off when you finish cooking.

Wear short, rolled-up or fitted sleeves when cooking so they don't catch fire accidentally as well as shoes to reduce the risk of fires and burns.

Protect electrical cords from damage and regularly inspect them for wear. Unplug items with damaged cords until they can be replaced. Remove cords that stretch across doorways, hallways, or run under carpets. Limit the number of electrical devices you plug in to each wall outlet.

Give your space heaters 3 feet of clearance from nearby objects, people, and pets. Never plug your space heater into an extension cord or power strip, plug them directly into the wall. Turn off your space heaters at night and whenever you leave the room.

Have a professional inspect your home heating equipment and fireplace at least once a year.

Keep fire extinguishers in your home, know how to use them, and check them regularly.

You should have at least one fire extinguisher near every fire hazard, whether it be the kitchen, the fireplace, wood stove or your furnace room. Make sure your fire extinguishers are full and operational.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Download

need it in an emergency.

A20 DELTA OPTIMIST | MARCH 2023 SeniorsSafety 2023

the

a copy of

guide and have it ready for when you

PREPARE NOW FOR FIRE DETECTION AND ESCAPE

Keep your home’s pathways clutter free and exits clear in case you need to leave quickly due to smoke or fire.

Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including in all sleeping areas and the kitchen. Check them monthly and replace the batteries as needed. (simply press the test button).

If hearing the alarm is a problem, you can get a strobe alarm or one that shakes your bed in the event it goes off. If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, install accessory devices that will alert you to smoke or fire.

Install carbon monoxide detectors as well especially if you use gas in your home.

Have your fireplace & wood stoves inspected annually: Your fireplace or wood stove may need a cleaning. Too much soot in your chimney can cause a fire. Cracks in chimney bricks and rusting in stove pipes can also cause a fire.

Remember to “stop, drop, and roll.” If your clothing catches fire, lower yourself to the ground , cover your face and roll over to smother the flames. Instead of dropping, you can also cover the flames with a nonflammable blanket.

Keep any items you need to move safely, like your walker, cane or glasses, near your bed at night. Have a phone within reach as well.

Create a fire escape plan and familiarize yourself with it: Plan how you will get outside in case of fire. Have at least two ways out of each room and decide on a single safe area outside your home, where you and anybody else in your residence knows to meet and wait for the fire department. Never go back inside a burning building.

GRAB AND GO BAG LIST

A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that's easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. It's a good idea to make grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Food (ready to eat) and water

• Phone charger and battery bank

• Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight

• Extra batteries

• Small first-aid kit and personal medications

• Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

• Copy of your emergency plan

• Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification

• Cash in small bills

• Local map with your family meeting place identified

• Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket

• Pen and notepad

• Whistle

You should know the exits from your house or apartment, as well as how to get out of your building. Make sure your designated escape door can be easily opened, when rushed and visibility is poor. While exiting your home, crawl under the smoke.

If you have difficulty maneuvering quickly or without help, consider getting one of the many dependable and reputable medical alert systems. If you have an emergency, simply press the button and agents will send help right away.

If there is a fire that's too hard to control, get out immediately and call 911.

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DISTRACTION THEFTS TARGETING SENIORS

Distraction theft is a type of theft that involves using various tactics to distract the victim so they can steal from them. This type of theft is becoming increasingly common and is carried out by

criminals who are looking for easy targets. They often target busy areas, such as shopping centers, grocery stores, and public transportation, where people are more likely to be distracted.

One example of distraction theft is when a thief approaches someone and asks for directions or help with their car, while another thief steals from the victim's car. This type of theft is particularly common in busy parking lots, where people are more likely to be distracted and less likely to notice someone stealing from their car.

asking for directions or help. If someone approaches you and tries to engage you in conversation or distract you, it is important to be cautious and to not let your guard down.

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In order to prevent distraction theft, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to not let your guard down, even in crowded and busy places. Keep your valuables close to you and never leave them unattended, especially when someone is

In conclusion, distraction theft is a type of theft that is becoming increasingly common and is carried out by criminals who are looking for easy targets. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions in order to prevent being a victim of this type of theft. Remember to keep your valuables close to you and to never let your guard down, even in crowded and busy places.

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ELDER SCAMS

With2022 behind us, it’s a good time to review crime trends to inform us of the most prevalent scams targeting seniors. Consistent with previous years, the emergency scam has remained a present concern for our elder population, and has developed a concerning new twist. Equally concerning is the rise of an investment scam centered on investing in cryptocurrency, an unregulated form of digital currency, which has led to huge losses for victims of the scam. We’ll discuss both here.

EMERGENCY SCAM:

In this scam, the fraudster cold calls a senior and pretends to be a grandchild experiencing an emergency that requires the senior’s immediate financial help. For example, the fraudster may claim to have been arrested after a drunk driving collision and request the senior to pay for bail or lawyer fees. The fraudster may claim to be embarrassed and want the senior to keep the situation secret from the rest of the family. The warning signs here are the request for immediate payment and secrecy. The fraudsters used to request remote payment through wire transfers, Western Union or even Apple Gift cards. Recently though, the Delta Police have seen fraudsters now physically attending the senior’s residence to pick up the funds.

CRYPTOCURRENCY INVESTMENT SCAM:

In this scam, the victim learns of an opportunity to invest in cryptocurrency from a dubious source. Perhaps it’s a pop-up ad on their computer, or a stranger reaching out to the victim on a social networking site claiming to be a cryptocurrency investment expert. In one case seen by the Delta Police, the victim replied to a classified ad looking to purchase a cat for their daughter. Whatever the means of contact, the fraudster has the victim visit a fraudulent investment website and walks the victim through making payments to the site from their Canadian bank account. Using the website, the fraudster convinces the victim their initial investment is taking off, and convinces the victim to make a much larger investment. However, once the victim has paid a further significant amount of money, they find themselves unable to withdraw their supposed earnings. Often the fraudsters will attempt to squeeze the victims for more funds, claiming they owe taxes or that the account has been flagged by the US FBI and more funds are needed to “validate” the account. Whatever the story, the fraudsters eventually stop communicating and the website disappears, leaving the victim out of pocket and largely without recourse.

The Delta Police are increasingly seeing this scam impact Delta residents, with over $2.5 Million in losses in 2022 alone. While the Delta Police recommend avoiding cryptocurrency investment at all costs, should you absolutely wish to invest in cryptocurrency, the Delta Police are urging you to discuss the matter in person

with a financial services professional, and NOT someone you “know” online.

With both of these scams, the Delta Police further encourages our elders to discuss these scams with their friends and families. If you yourself experience either of the above scams, please contact your local police.

A23 SeniorsSafety 2023 MARCH 2023 | DELTA OPTIMIST

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