PROTECT YOURSELF

Det. Mike Page of Hamilton police’s Crimes Against Seniors Unit says there are multiple ways seniors can protect themselves against fraud and theft.

Don’t give anyone your credit card, debit card, or PIN code. If you need help running errands, give them a cheque to cash and have them shop with cash.

If you receive a phone call saying you’ve won a prize, ask yourself if you entered that giveaway in the first place.

Have a lawyer draft up a power of attorney for property; they’re familiar with these documents and will know how to protect you from crime.

If a deal or offer sounds too good to be true, call and ask a friend or family member if it’s a scam.

Before you send money to a stranger, ask your bank if it’s a known scam. They have up-to-date information about what scams are going around.

If you think you’ve been scammed, call Hamilton’s CASU at 905-540-5300, or, in an emergency, call 911.