Senior's Safety 2022

SeniorsSafety 2022 EDITION

FREE! COURTESY OF

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SeniorsSafety 2022

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Because Healthcare touches all of us, consider giving a gift today!

CONTENT 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 PAGE

“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.

It’s easy!

• 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.

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.

1475 Edmonton St. Prince George, BC V2M 1S2 Ph: 250-565-2515 Fax: 250-565-2595 TF: 1-877-565-2515

SeniorsSafety 2022 Available online at www.princegeorgegcitizen.com A DIVISION OF

PUBLISHED BY

www.spiritofthenorth.ca A2

505 4TH AVENUE • 250.562.2441 • PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.

SeniorsSafety 2022

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

A message from your Prince George RCMP

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 Quesnel: 664 Front Street

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

(250) 562-8280 (236) 424-4003

SeniorsSafety 2022

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DIRECTORY

CRISIS/SUPPORT LINES

HEALTH RESOURCES

HOUSING

Blockwatch Society of British Columbia 1-877-602-3358

Alzheimer Resource Centre 250-564-7533

Aboriginal Housing Society 250-564-9794

Arthritis Answers Line 1-800-321-1433

BC Housing – Northern Region 250-562-9251

BC Association of Lifeline Programs (Lifeline Representative) 1-866-406-3001

Birchview Residences 778-415-9790

Crisis Prevention, Intervention & Information Centre for Northern BC 1-888-562-1214 Public Guardian and Trustee and Community Resource Network 1-604-660-4444 Seniors Abuse & Information Line 1-866-437-1940

Canadian Mental Health Association Prince George 250-564-8644

VictimLinkBC 1-800-563-0808

Cariboo Home & Health Services 250-649-8783 First Link Dementia Helpline 1-800-936-6033

EMERGENCY Dial 911 LEGAL INFORMATION/ FINANCIAL SERVICES British Columbia Securities Commission 1-800-373-6393 Canada Benefits 1-800-622-6263 Canada Revenue Agency 1-800-959-8281 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 1-800-668-2642 Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-663-1919

FOOD SERVICES Curb Your Appetite 250-960-9797 Meals on Wheels 250-564-5888

BC Cancer –Prince George 1-855-775-7300

HealthLink BC Dial 811 (711 for the deaf and the hard of hearing) HearingLife 250-564-2593

Country Acres Seniors Community 250-962-5570 Gateway Lodge 250-565-5572 Jubilee Lodge 250-565-2286

Northern Health Connections Bus 1-888-647-4997 Northern Home Care 250-563-3501

Laurier Manor 250-645-6188

Prince George Hospice Society 250-563-2481

Regional District of Fraser-Fort George 250-960-4400

RECREATION/ACTIVITY CENTRES Elder Citizens Recreation Association 250-561-9381

Prince George Senior Activity Centre 250-563-1915

Parkside Care Home 250-645-6420 Prince George Chateau 250-277-1688

Spruce Capital Senior’s Recreation Centre 250-563-6450

Riverbend Manor 250-596-8097

Volunteer Prince George 250-564-0224

Two Rivers Seniors Lodge 250-562-8466

POLICE SERVICES Community Police Office 250-561-3366 Prince George Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477

Parkinson Society British Columbia 1-800-668-3330

City of Prince George 250-561-7600

Prince George Council of Seniors 250-564-5888

Simon Fraser Lodge 250-563-3413

Northern Health 250-565-2649

PRINCE GEORGE CITY RESOURCES

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Prince George 250-561-3300

REPORTING/FRAUD RESOURCES Better Business Bureau Interior BC 1-888-803-1222 British Columbia Crime Prevention Association 1-888-405-2288 Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501 Consumer Protection BC 1-888-564-9963

Seniors Health Care Support Line 1-887-952-3181

Serving Our Community ... On Your Behalf!

SHIRLEY BOND

MIKE MORRIS

250-612-4181 Shirley.Bond.MLA@leg.bc.ca /ShirleyBondforBC

250-612-4194 Mike.Morris.MLA@leg.bc.ca /MikeMorrisforBC

MLA | PRINCE GEORGE - VALEMOUNT

MLA | PRINCE GEORGE - MACKENZIE

A message from your local MLAs

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SeniorsSafety 2022

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PHISHING AND SMISHING SCAMS

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THOUSANDS 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

BE ON THE LOOKOUT. MESSAGES ARE

EASILY FABRICATED!

A

s we spend more time online, fraudsters are getting more creative with scams in the digital space.

Phishing is when you get an unsolicited email that claims to be from a legitimate organization, such as financial institutions, businesses or government agencies. Scammers ask you to provide or verify, either via email or by clicking on a web link, personal or financial information, like your credit card

number, passwords and social insurance number.

Downsizing or moving??

Smishing is the same thing, except 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 bottom line is that they seek your personal details.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF: • Know that reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text.

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

• Ignore communications from unknown contacts.

• Update your antivirus software on all devices.

• Delete suspicious messages as they can carry viruses.

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

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

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED 250.277.2553

SeniorsSafety 2022

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCAMS IDENTITY THEFT WATCH OUT FOR MAGICAL CURES THAT OFFER QUICK AND EASY FIXES

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here are fraudsters out there who hope to take advantage of people’s suffering.

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.

Scammers offer products and services that seem to be legitimate alternative medicines and treatments that quickly and easily treat serious conditions.

Some of these may seem to be endorsed by celebrities or promoted 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; revolutionary exercises; fat-busting devices; or breakthrough products, such as pills, patches or creams.

Fake online pharmacies offer drugs and medications at very cheap prices or without a doctor’s prescription. They advertise 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.

Keep your body healthy & active!

Help ensure your identity remains yours alone!

S

cammers are always on the lookout to collect or reproduce 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 down.

Fraudsters use techniques that range from unsophisticated to elaborate. Offline, they can go through trash bins or steal mail.

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Identity theft is a serious crime!

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Never provide your personal information over the phone, via 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.

• Use a secure and reputable payment service 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.

INVESTMENT FUNDS WITH GUARANTEE OF CAPITAL Segregated Funds: Many Different Options

Ave Maria Specialties 1638 20th Avenue Prince George, B.C. 250-563-6388

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They look for credit card information, 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.

• Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Password-protect your devices and home Wi-Fi network.

Improve your quality of life with supplements for memory, energy and sleep! Come in and chat with one of our Herbalists on Staff.

www.avemariahealth.com

Online, they can use spyware and viruses, as well as hacking and phishing.

Guaranteed Interest Accounts

gordon Hayward CHS, EPC, CEA

catherine stovel CHS, EPC, CEA

TFSA 2022 maximum $6000, limit to date $81,500

“Your Financial Planning Center”

In partnership with:

250.563.8243

fpcinc@telus.net 114 - 1717 3rd Ave.

H/M Assoc. Financial Planning Centre (2005) Inc. Catherine Stovel Financial Inc.

Providing indePendent, intelligent investment Advice since ’82

SeniorsSafety 2022

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT THEFT FROM VEHICLES T

heft from vehicles continues to be a regular occurrence in Prince George that the Prince George RCMP is committed to extinguishing.

“The fact that criminals 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 community, 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 assistance in order to achieve

success.

Prince George RCMP is encouraging 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.

Help the 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.

Cst. Jennifer Cooper Communications NCO / Media Relations Officer Prince George Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Government of Canada jennifer.cooper@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Tel: 250-561-3321 / Cell: 250-613-3532 http://princegeorge.rcmp.ca

QUICK TIPS

TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES Remove valuables from your vehicle. Never leave any items in plain view as doing so provides an easy target and attracts attention.

Valuables may include loose change, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, charging cables and clothing.

Park in well-lit, open areas when you are out.

When at home, park in your garage (if available) and lock both your vehicle and your garage.

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.

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.

Snow Owls Are Wise: They secure the Best Travel Insurance Coverage

Contact Gary Clarke

Get a FREE QUOTE now!

Go to snowowls.ca 250.564.2001 whoo@snowowls.ca PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SeniorsSafety 2022

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCAMS

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• 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.

Sometimes life sucks...

AntiFraudCentre.ca 1‑888‑495‑8501 Youth Online Chat - 4 pm to 10 pm Daily

YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES

NEED TO TALK? WOULD YOU LIKE A WE’RE HERE 24/7 FRIENDLY CrisisPHONE CALL? Centre 1-888-562-1214

crisis-centre.ca

crisis-centre.ca

THE CRISIS CENTRE FOR NORTHERN BC

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.

Karen Le Francois BSc Pod.

By Appointment Only • Call or Text 250.981.5416

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WE’RE HERE 24/7

R0011824273

1-888-564-8336 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.

24 Hr Youth Line

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.

crisis-centre.ca

Specializing in DiabeticFootcare

crisis-centre.ca

CerTified in Foot HealtHcare,

If you suspect a scam, always report it.

SeniorsSafety 2022

Generously funded by:

. : PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Sale of merchandise scams

Scammers can pose as buyers.

If you sell items online, either personally or as part of a business, 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.

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.

Time to Downsize?

Get tHe GUiDance yoU neeD tHroUGH tHis next cHapter of yoUr life.

WHat yoU can expect: • 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

• Never send money to get money.

250.961.4508 rebeccawrealtor@gmail.com

mls® awarD 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021

TEam POwErHOUsE rEalTY salEs masTErY awarD 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

over 11 years of real estate experience PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SeniorsSafety 2022

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IDENTITY THEFT

Help ensure your identity remains yours alone!

S

cammers are always on the lookout to collect or reproduce 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 down.

Fraudsters 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 phishing.

They look for credit card information, 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!

TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Never provide your personal information over the phone, via 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 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.

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Protecting Your PIN 1 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.

2 Use your hand or body to shield your PIN during every

transaction conducted at an Automated Banking Machine (ABM) or at the checkout.

3 Keep an eye on your debit card when conducting a transaction

at the checkout.

4 Check your banking statements regularly and contact your

financial institution immediately if you detect any unusual activity. For example, purchases you did not make or missing charges.

5 Notify your financial institution immediately, if your debit

card is lost, stolen or retained by an ABM.

6 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.

7 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.

8 When using an ABM, if you suspect anything unusual, do

not use the machine and report it to the financial institution immediately.

9 Remember to take your card when the transaction is complete.

Be alert. If someone is watching you or makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and use a different machine.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL FOREST WEEK!

WALK in the WOODS Tour Saturday, September 24th 2022

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

2336 Nicholson St South, Prince George, BC 250.564.4309 • www.acmejanitorservice.com • Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm

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Fre BBQ L e un Includ ch ed

SeniorsSafety 2022

Event sponsored by the Cariboo Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FIGHTING FRAUD VISIT:

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/ eng/04333.html#sec03 (The Little Black Book of Scams 2nd edition) Government of Canada

Gouvernement du Canada

ACTIVE AGING 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 weather elements.

AED and Security on site!

RATES National Seniors Day Open House: October 1 ___________________________ Free tours, fitness demos and more!

Seniors (55+)

Annual Monthly Rate

$39.25

Annual Monthly Spouse

$36.72

31 Day Pass

$61.67

31 Day Spouse Pass 10 Visit Pass (expires after 2 years) Daily Admission

$57.72 $106.11 $12.65 Prices include tax

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SeniorsSafety 2022

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KEN GOSS

Honesty | Integrity | Transparency

250-565-7653 RE/MAX Core Realty 1717 Central Street W, Prince George 250-645-5055 Each office is independently owned & operated

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.

Let Ken’s 30+ years of experience in real estate help you reach your retirement Real Estate goals.

Call Ken Goss today!

Retire Happy!

Ken & Darlene A12

SeniorsSafety 2022

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN