Stories about fraud in our community have been rather common recently. Seniors are seen as a particularly attractive community for con artists to exploit for a variety of reasons. In June, I attended a presentation about fraud targeting seniors, organized by the Rockcliffe Neighbourhood Watch. It was useful, instructive and well attended. Here are the essential details. I will set up a similar presentation for seniors in Manor Park this fall.

Fraud against seniors living at home can take several approaches. Telephone fraud is common. Someone calls to announce that you have won a big prize! But to receive the prize, you have to give the caller some of your own money first. A free prize that isn't free isn't likely to be real either. Be skeptical. A 'bank inspector' calls and after some hurried explanation, asks for personal bank data, credit cards numbers, bank account numbers or balances, or even your PIN number. Don't do anything without first calling back the bank using a number you look up. An investment advisor calls with a really tempting opportunity, if you act quickly. All these people have a smooth, pleasant way about them and are sympathetic and understanding. They may explain almost everything but confuse you with details. They are impatient that you do act quickly, without letting you look into their proposal, or talk it over with a family member or a friend. Be suspicious if there is no time to think it through. Some brazen fraudsters come to your door with unsolicited home repair or renovation proposals. Their deal may sound interesting, even too good to be true, likely because it is. Like phone fraud, home renovation fraud is a common risk. Be on your guard. Ask: "If I didn't solicit this business, why am I being offer this deal?"

What can you do? Phone fraud can be countered: say "No, thanks" firmly and politely to dazzling offers, and then hang up. If pestered by persistent callers - and some a very persistent, call Phone Busters at 1 888-495-8501. It is a joint working group on phone fraud sponsored by the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ontario Solicitor General's Department and reputable firms. You can also call the Ottawa Police at 236-1222 and ask for the Fraud section. In more complex situations, you may want to call the Elder Abuse section, and ask for Constable Wolfe.

Summer was relatively quiet in Manor Park according to Ottawa Police Service weekly and monthly incident reports. One car was stolen on Camelia, and a few along Alvin Road, and Britanny Drive. To mid-August, there was only one break-in in Manor Park, on Hemlock Avenue at the end of June. A dozen thefts were reported during June and July. July 9 saw a couple of quite unusual events that raised concerns among neighbours. That evening, a pistol shot was heard on Eastbourne Avenue coming from the townhouse area. Later that night a drug-related arrest made on St Laurent by Hemlock. The OPS is quite tight-lipped ('ongoing investigations'). We hope that they get to the bottom of this situation quickly.

(Article courtesy of the Manor Park Chronicle - Sept. 2005)

Neighbourhood Watch Archives:

• Notice to all Manor Park Block Captains. (May 2005)
• Neighbourhood Watch (March. 2005)
• Neighbourhood Watch (Jan. 2005)
• Neighbourhood Watch (Nov. 2004)
• Neighbourhood Watch (Sept. 2004)