SeniorsSafety 2022 EDITION COURTESY OF FREE!
A2 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZENSeniorsSafety 2022 Available online at www.princegeorgegcitizen.com CONTENT PAGE 03 A message from your Prince George RCMP PAGE 04 Directory PAGE 05 Phishing and Smishing scams PAGE 06 Identity theft PAGE 06 Health and Medical scams PAGE 07 How you can prevent theft from vehicles PAGE 08 Avoid being a victim PAGE 09 Sale of merchandise scams PAGE 10 Identity theft PAGE 10 Protecting your PIN PAGE 11 Internet Safety Tip 505 4TH AVENUE • 250.562.2441 • PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. PUBLISHED BY A DIVISION OF SeniorsSafety 2022 Since 1991 our valued Donors have been making a difference for Patients in the North. • Your gift will support the purchase of state of the art diagnostic and treatment equipment, healthcare education, and help attract and retain healthcare professionals to the North. • 100% of your donation stays local and you can decide what area of care to direct it to. • Your gift will provide better health outcomes. • Your gift will change how healthcare is delivered, right here at home in the north where we live, work, and play. • Provide a one time gift • Become a sustaining supporter through monthly donations • Give a gift in memory of a loved one • Plan for an end of life gift • Bequest an insurance policy • Leave a legacy. www.spiritofthenorth.ca 1475 Edmonton St. Prince George, BC V2M 1S2 Ph: 250-565-2515 Fax: 250-565-2595 TF: 1-877-565-2515 Because Healthcare touches all of us, consider giving a gift today! It’s easy! “Managing my donation budget through a monthly gift program allows me to contribute throughout the year. It makes giving back and providing for future generations quite doable.” – Eleanor R.
A3Safety AfrommessageyourPrinceGeorgeRCMP YOUR NEIGHBOURS IN CARE Providing safe solutions for your home and life Stair Lifts | Walkers | Wheelchairs | Scooters | Aids to Daily Living | & More Prince George: 849 - 2nd Ave (250) 562-8280 Quesnel: 664 Front Street (236) 424-4003
A4 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZENSeniorsSafety 2022 CRISIS/SUPPORT LINES Blockwatch Society of British Columbia 1-877-602-3358 Crisis Prevention, Intervention & Information Centre for Northern Public1-888-562-1214BCGuardian and Trustee and Community Resource Network 1-800-563-0808VictimLinkBC1-866-437-1940InformationSeniors1-604-660-4444Abuse&Line EMERGENCY Dial 911 LEGAL FINANCIALINFORMATION/SERVICES British Columbia Securities Canada1-800-622-6263Canada1-800-373-6393CommissionBenefitsRevenue Agency Canada1-800-959-8281Mortgage and Housing Lawyer1-800-668-2642CorporationReferral Service 1-800-663-1919 FOOD SERVICES Curb Your 250-564-5888Meals250-960-9797AppetiteonWheels HEALTH RESOURCES Alzheimer Resource Centre Arthritis250-564-7533Answers Line BC1-800-321-1433Association of Lifeline Programs BC1-866-406-3001Representative)(LifelineCancer–Prince George Canadian1-855-775-7300Mental Health Association Prince George Cariboo250-564-8644Home & Health Services First250-649-8783LinkDementia Helpline DialHealthLink1-800-936-6033BC811(711forthe deaf and the hard of Northern250-565-2649Northern250-564-2593HearingLifehearing)HealthHealth Connections Northern1-888-647-4997BusHome Care Parkinson250-563-3501Society British Prince1-800-668-3330ColumbiaGeorgeHospice Society Seniors250-563-2481Health Care Support Line 1-887-952-3181 HOUSING Aboriginal Housing Society BC250-564-9794Housing– Northern Region Country778-415-9790Birchview250-562-9251ResidencesAcresSeniors Community 250-562-8466Two250-563-3413Simon250-596-8097Riverbend250-277-1688Prince250-645-6420Parkside250-645-6188Laurier250-565-2286Jubilee250-565-5572Gateway250-962-5570LodgeLodgeManorCareHomeGeorgeChateauManorFraserLodgeRiversSeniorsLodge POLICE SERVICES Community Police Office Prince250-561-3366George Crime Stoppers Royal1-800-222-8477Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Prince George 250-561-3300 PRINCE GEORGE CITY RESOURCES City of Prince George Regional250-561-7600District of Fraser-Fort 250-960-4400George CENTRESRECREATION/ACTIVITY Elder Citizens Recreation 250-564-0224Volunteer250-563-6450RecreationSpruce250-563-1915ActivityPrince250-564-5888CouncilPrince250-561-9381AssociationGeorgeofSeniorsGeorgeSeniorCentreCapitalSenior’sCentrePrinceGeorge RESOURCESREPORTING/FRAUD Better Business BureauInterior British1-888-803-1222BCColumbia Crime Prevention 1-888-564-9963Consumer1-888-495-8501Canadian1-888-405-2288AssociationAnti-FraudCentreProtectionBC DIRECTORY SHIRLEY BOND MLA | PRINCE GEORGE - VALEMOUNT Shirley.Bond.MLA@leg.bc.ca250-612-4181/ShirleyBondforBC MIKE MORRIS MLA | PRINCE GEORGE - MACKENZIE Mike.Morris.MLA@leg.bc.ca250-612-4194/MikeMorrisforBC A message from your local MLAs Serving Our Community ... On Your Behalf!
TIPS
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7 THOUSANDSMINUTES COULD SAVE YOU LOCALLY OWNED & 250.277.2553OPERATED LISTING SOON? Seven minutes or less - that’s all the time it usually takes for us to explain how you can make more money & sell faster using PropertyGuys.com Downsizing or moving??
A5SeniorsSafety 2022PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN PHISHING EASILYMESSAGESBESCAMSSMISHINGANDONTHELOOKOUT.AREFABRICATED!
As we spend more time on line, fraudsters are getting more creative with scams in the digital Phishingspace.iswhen you get an unsolicited email that claims to be from a legitimate organiza tion, such as financial institu tions, businesses or government agencies. Scammers ask you to provide or verify, either via email or by clicking on a web link, personal or financial infor mation, like your credit card number, passwords and social insurance number.
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Smishing is the same thing, ex cept it occurs via text messages. These messages often copy the tone and logo of organizations you trust, and usually include a call to action. They take many shapes and forms but the bot tom line is that they seek your personal details. TO Know that reputable orga nizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text. Ignore communications from unknown contacts. Delete suspicious mes sages 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 with out clicking, hover your mouse over it. Carefully check if it is accurate. Update your antivirus soft ware on all devices. Never use the phone number or email address provided in the suspicious message—use contact information listed on verified websites.
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• Always shield your PIN when using your card. If you hand it over to a cashier, never lose sight of it.
• Avoid giving out personal information on social media. It can be used along with your pictures to commit fraud.
Scammers are always on the lookout to collect or repro duce your personal information to commit fraud. Thieves can make purchases using your accounts, obtain passports, receive government benefits, apply for loans, and more. This could turn your life upside
Fraudstersdown. use techniques that range from unsophisticated to elaborate. Offline, they can go through trash bins or steal mail. Online, they can use spyware and viruses, as well as hacking and Theyphishing.lookfor credit card infor mation, bank account details, full name and signature, date of birth, social insurance number, full address, mother's maiden name, online usernames and passwords, driver's licence number, and passport number. Identity theft is a serious crime!
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCAMS WATCH OUT FOR MAGICAL CURES THAT OFFER QUICK AND EASY FIXES Providing indePendent, intelligent investment Advice since ’82 “Your PlanningFinancialCenter” 250.563.8243 114fpcinc@telus.net-17173rdAve. In partnership with: INVESTMENT FUNDS WITH GUARANTEE OF AccountsGuaranteedOptionsManySegregatedCAPITALFunds:DifferentInterest Haywardgordon CHS, EPC, CEA scatherinetovel CHS, EPC, CEA H/M Assoc. Financial Planning Centre (2005) Inc. Catherine Stovel Financial Inc. TFSA 2022 maximum $6000, limit to date $81,500 Improve your quality of life with supplements for memory, energy and sleep! Come in and chat with one of our Herbalists on Staff. Come talk to one of our HerbalistsCharteredtohelpyouliveyourhealthiestlife. Keep your body healthy & active! WILD WEDNESDAY LAST WedneSdAy of eVeRy monTH 20% OFF Vitamins & Supplements, Gifts & Books 10% OFF Beauty & Body Care • 5% OFF most Groceries Ave Maria Specialties 1638 20th Avenue Prince George, B.C. www.avemariahealth.com250-563-6388
A6 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZENSeniorsSafety 2022 IDENTITY THEFT
• Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Password-protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
There are fraudsters out there who hope to take advantage of people’s suffering.
• Avoid public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots, such as in coffee shops, to access or provide personal information; they put you at risk.
• Shred and destroy documents with personal information.
Scammers offer products and services that seem to be legiti mate alternative medicines and treatments that quickly and easily treat serious conditions. Some of these may seem to be endorsed by celebrities or pro moted by testimonials of people claiming to have been cured. Weight loss scams promise dramatic results with little to no effort. The scammers might promote unusual diets; revo lutionary exercises; fat-busting devices; or breakthrough products, such as pills, patches or Fakecreams.online pharmacies of fer drugs and medications at very cheap prices or without a doctor’s prescription. They ad vertise on the internet and send spam emails. If you do receive the promised products, there is no guarantee they are the real thing or safe to take.
Help ensure your identity remains yours alone!
The three most common types of health scams are miracle cures, weight loss programs and fake online pharmacies. In all cases, they often appear as sponsored posts on social media or website pop-ups.
• Never provide your personal information over the phone, via text message, email or the internet.
• Use a secure and reputable payment service when buying online—look for a URL starting with "https" and a closed padlock symbol.
HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THEFT FROM VEHICLESQUICK TIPS
Get a FREE QUOTE now!
Cst. Jennifer CommunicationsCooperNCO / Media Relations Officer Prince George Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Government of http://princegeorge.rcmp.cajennifer.cooper@rcmp-grc.gc.caCanadaTel:250-561-3321/Cell:250-613-3532
TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES
Valuables may include loose change, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, charging cables and Parkclothing.inwell-lit, open areas when you are out. When at home, park in your garage (if available) and lock both your vehicle and your garage.
Contactwhoo@snowowls.ca250.564.2001GaryClarke
Theft from vehicles continues to be a regular occurrence in Prince George that the Prince George RCMP is committed to “Theextinguishing.factthatcriminals break into vehicles to steal anything of value from inside is nothing new and is not an issue that is unique to Prince George. Our police officers are committed to doing what we can to bring the number of these occurrences down,” states Cpl. Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP. Prince George RCMP holds weekly Comp Stat meetings as a collaborative effort to reduce crime within the commu nity, and participants discuss everything from identifying “hot spots” for criminal activity to ensuring our police officers are aware of the current prolific offenders and the crimes they commit. However, as much as Prince George RCMP focuses on bringing criminals to justice and making the community safer, the police need your as sistance in order to achieve
Remove valuables from your vehicle. Never leave any items in plain view as doing so provides an easy target and attracts attention.
A7SeniorsSafety 2022PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Remove portable accessories such as GPS units or satellite radios. It is important to remember that GPS units are usually programmed with your home address.
Princesuccess.George RCMP is en couraging the community to help protect themselves from becoming victims of crime. When it comes to having vehicles broken into for the sole purpose of stealing the contents inside, there are a number of things that people can do to ensure that they don’t fall prey to criminals. Theft from vehicles is a crime of opportunity and is preventable. By following a few basic safety tips, you can reduce the likelihood that you will be a victim.Helpthe Prince George RCMP eliminate theft from vehicles by doing your part to safeguard them. Together we can make the community a safer place to be.
Opt for a garage door opener that fits on your key ring or program the built-in version on newer model vehicles, instead of a model that clips on your visor and is easily removed.
Go to Snowsnowowls.caOwlsAreWise:TheysecuretheBest Travel Insurance Coverage
A8 • Remember that there are no magic pills or miracle cures for achieving quick weight loss or treating medical conditions. • Don’t trust claims about medicines, supplements or other treatments. Get the facts straight from your healthcare professional. • Never commit to anything under pressure, especially if a large advance payment or long-term contract is required. • Know that if an online pharmacy is legitimate, it will require valid prescriptions. • Be skeptical of celebrity endorsements or testimonials. TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCAMS By Appointment Only • Call or Text 250.981.5416 Whether or not you are diabetic, your feet are the last thing you think of for overall health and wellbeing. Let’s make it the first thing you do for better health, wellness and mobility. Karen Le Francois Diabetes affects the circulation and immune system, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal itself. Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (this is known as “neuropathy”), especially in the hands and feet. As a result, people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications. Cer T ified in Foot Healt FSpecializing in Diabetic . : WOULD YOU LIKE A FRIENDLY PHONE CALL? THE CRISIS CENTRE FOR NORTHERN BC crisis-centre.ca 1-888-562-1214 NEED TO TALK? WE’RE HERE 24/7CentreCrisis1-888-564-8336 24 YouthHrLine crisis-centre.ca Sometimeslifesucks... WE’REHERE24/7 YOUTH SUPPORTSERVICES YouthOnlineChat-4pmto10pmDaily crisis-centre.cacrisis-centre.ca The Crisis Centre for Northern BC is here for Seniors! Please call 1.888.562.1214 or email program.assistant2@crisis-centre.ca to set up your weekly or bi-weekly calls. Generouslyfundedby:
• Always meet in a local, public and safe place to com plete an exchange.
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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 transac tion. 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.
If you sell items online, either personally or as part of a busi ness, you need to be careful who you sell to as there is a risk of being targeted by tricksters who want to take your merchandise, money, or both.
differentones,areoftenaddress—scammersemailwillcreateaddressesthatverysimilartolegitimatewithjustoneortwoletters. • Never send money to get money. Tips to protect yourself: Scammers can pose as buyers. Time to Downsize? 250.961.4508 rebeccawrealtor@gmail.com over 11 years of real estate experience Get tHe GUiDance yoU neeD tHroUGH tHis next cHapter of yoUr life. • A current pricing strategy to sell your home for the best price • Staging advice for each room and referrals to the best movers • Expert negotiation and assistance with the completion of the sale • Clear and consistent communication • Extra help and guidance so you are 100% informed & comfortable mls® awarD 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 TEam mrPOwErHOUsEEalTYsalEsasTErYawarD2018,2019,2020,2021 WHat yoU can expect:
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 track ing number, you'll have already shipped the merchandise only to learn that the payment notifica tion was a fake.
In other cases, you might get paid with a fake money transfer, a fraudulent cheque or a stolen credit card.
• Beware of far away buyers who want to buy products or other items without seeing them. Verify the sender's
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.
• Beware of generic emails with bad grammar.
A9SeniorsSafety 2022PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Sale scamsmerchandiseof
when buying online—look for a URL starting with "https" and a closed padlock symbol. • Avoid giving out personal information on social media. It can be used along with your pictures to commit fraud. • Always shield your PIN when using your card. If you hand it over to a cashier, never lose sight of it. • Shred and destroy documents with personal information. Contact us below, for a FREE QUOTE on our services 2336 Nicholson St South, Prince George, BC 250.564.4309 • www.acmejanitorservice.com • Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm n o H C ea g Offering you the best services in Prince George... • Carpet & Upholstery Steam Cleaning • Vehicle Cleaning & Upholstery Steam Clean • Window Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Junk Removal • Construction Clean Up • Residential Clean Up Commercial Janitorial • Janitorial Supplies • Fire & Water damage cleaning • Minor Renovations & Repairs • Labour Pool • One-time Cleaning & Contracts At the Willow River Interpretive Trail (Hwy 16 east) FREE bus transportation This event is suitable for all ages and family-friendly Contact: Anna Monetta amonetta@shaw.ca Register by Saturday September 17th to reserve your seat on the bus Departure time and location will be provided upon registration CELEBRATE NATIONAL FOREST WEEK! in the WOODSWALK Tour Saturday, September 24th 2022 BBQFreeLunchIncluded Event sponsored by the Cariboo Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry
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Scammers are always on the lookout to collect or repro duce your personal information to commit fraud. Thieves can make purchases using your accounts, obtain passports, receive government benefits, apply for loans, and more. This could turn your life upside Fraudstersdown. use techniques that range from unsophisticated to elaborate. Offline, they can go through trash bins or steal mail. Online, they can use spyware and viruses, as well as hacking and Theyphishing.lookfor credit card infor mation, bank account details, full name and signature, date of birth, social insurance number, full address, mother's maiden name, online usernames and passwords, driver's licence number, and passport number. Identity theft is a serious crime! provide personal information the phone, text message, email or the internet. Avoid public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots, such as in coffee shops, to access or provide personal information; they put you at risk. Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Password-protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network. Use a secure and reputable payment service
A10 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZENSeniorsSafety 2022 Protecting Your PIN
Use your hand or body to shield your PIN during every transaction conducted at an Automated Banking Machine (ABM) or at the checkout.
Memorize your PIN - only you should know it. If you suspect that someone knows your PIN, even a friend or family member, change it immediately. Select a unique PIN. Never use obvious information, such as your telephone number, date of birth, address or Social Insurance Number. These are numbers often stored in the same place as your debit card, enabling criminals to easily guess your PIN. When using an ABM, if you suspect anything unusual, do not use the machine and report it to the financial institution
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Help ensure your identity remains yours alone!
your
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Keep an eye on your debit card when conducting a transaction at the Checkcheckout.yourbanking statements regularly and contact your financial institution immediately if you detect any unusual activity. For example, purchases you did not make or missing Notifycharges.your financial institution immediately, if your debit card is lost, stolen or retained by an ABM.
Be alert. If someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.
If you have a chip card, insert the card first. If the point-of-sale device is not chip capable, it will prompt you to swipe your card. Avoiding an unnecessary swipe of the card will reduce the potential of your card information being skimmed.
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TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: • Never
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IDENTITY THEFT
Rememberimmediately.to take your card when the transaction is complete.
A11SeniorsSafety 2022PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FIGHTING FRAUD www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/VISIT:eng/04333.html#sec03(TheLittleBlackBookofScams2ndedition) ofGovernmentCanada duGouvernementCanada ACTIVE AGING RATES Seniors(55+) Annual Monthly Rate $39.25 Annual Monthly Spouse $36.72 31 Day Pass $61.67 31 Day Spouse Pass $57.72 10 Visit Pass (expires after 2 years) $106.11 Daily Admission $12.65 Prices include tax SERVICES • Drop-in fitness classes and recreation are free with membership • Complimentary 3 hour parking permit (31 Day Pass, 10 Visit Pass, daily admission exempt) • Suspend (temporary hold) your membership up to three months Secure environment away from the elements.weather AED and Security on site! National Seniors Day Open House: October 1 Free tours, fitness demos and more!
A12 PRINCE GEORGE CITIZENSeniorsSafety Ken &HonestyKENDarleneGOSS|Integrity | Transparency RE/MAX Core Realty 1717 Central Street W, Prince George 250-645-5055 Each office is independently owned & operated 250-565-7653 What are your retirement plans? Are you thinking of downsizing? Want to enjoy retirement at one of our many local lakes? Do you want to travel and avoid winter and shovelling but still have a base here in Prince George? Thinking of an investment property to supplement your retirement income? Talk to Ken Goss. He can help you with the options open to you for this stage of life. Call Ken Goss today! Retire Happy! Let Ken’s 30+ years of experience in real estate help you reach your retirement Real Estate goals.
