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Page 6 The Clarington/Courlicc Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, May 30, 1998 Telephone Scams Cost $ 2.2 Million How many of us have been telephoned and offered a sure-win prize, but first, in order to qualify for it, we have to buy some cheaper article. 1 suspect it happens more often than we would admit. Most of us shrug it off as a nuisance, a by-product of Bell's invention. However, for sonic, telephone telephone solicitation can be a devastating experience. Deceptive telemarketing has, in some cases, taken the life savings of elderly people. people. Some victims have even taken their own lives rather than face a future marred by destitution and the embarrassment embarrassment of having friends know that, in their advancing years, they have allowed themselves to be taken by a con-artist. To some of us any telemarketing telemarketing is a nuisance, but telemarketing is a perfectly legal form of business promotion. promotion. It's when crooks gel involved that abuse occurs. The fact a large problem exists is borne out by the statistics. statistics. In 1997 $7.9 million was lost to deceptive telemarketers. telemarketers. A high percentage of victims victims were over 60 years of age. Approximately $2.2 million was lost by people in this age group and on average average an individual lost approximately $3,880. An even more devious situation occurs after a person person takes a loss. Their name is placed on a hit list and someone will phone telling them how they can get their money back. For these people, additional additional losses average $19,483. Yes, many of these people arc simply gullible. But others, studies show, suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. In my view, they arc all victims. So what is the government government doing about it? Currently there is legislation before my own Industry Committee to strengthen the Competition Act to force telemarketers to identify who they are; that the purpose purpose of the call is to sell a good or service; what the nature of the good or service is; and that no purchase or payment is necessary to be able to win or participate in a prize promotion if one is offered. This proposed legislation also states that disclosure must be made before, or in conjunction with, the description of the prize to the person being called. It would also give authorities authorities the right to wiretap a Parliamentary Report by Alex Shepherd phone to gather evidence against an organization suspected suspected of being a deceptive telemarketer. Of course, crooks don't often go by the rules. Because of that, the legislation legislation asks the public to report organizations who do not provide the required information. information. The Ontario Provincial Police have a unit called "phone busters". They are very supportive of the legislation. legislation. They feel it will help them secure convictions and generally curtail the practice. practice. I am attempting to find ways to enhance the proposed proposed legislation without restricting our basic right to privacy. This is always the trick in a democracy, balancing balancing individual rights while protecting others fro pi abuse. I look forward to tougher legislation to deal with deceptive telemarketers. Those least able to protect themselves in our society need better protection. Safe Kids Day At Bowmanville Police Station On Saturday, May 30, 1998 from 11 am. - 4 p.m. the members of the Durham Regional Police Service, with the support of Carol Hallman and Susan Forsyth of Excel Realty Inc., will be hosting hosting our annual Safe Kids Community Day at The Clarington Community Police Office situated at 1998 Regional Road #57, Bowmanville. It is anticipated that this will be an exciting day for the children of our Community. Highlights will include demonstrations and displays displays by members of Police Specialized Units and other Emergency Units, tours, visits from special guests and local celebrities. There will be free draws throughout the day. Hot dogs and refreshments refreshments will be-served at no charge. We arc inviting our corporate friends and neighbours to contribute to this worthwhile community community initiative. A list of all supporters will be displayed displayed throughout the day. PcacocK 328 Ritson Rd. N., Oshawa 725-4744 if busy call 725-2831 ROSSLAND 111 o o 5 0 O to œ ADELAIDE E HWY. 401 WHOLESALE & RETAIL Freud Router Bits and Saw Blades Priced to Sell FAST! Hurry In! 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