OPP warns seniors about scams The OPP is warning residents, particularly seniors, to be cautious about disclosing their personal information. The `Emergency Scam', also known as the `Grandparent Scam', is finding no shortage of victims in Ontario as it prays on the emotions of the senior and involves a scammer calling the victim pretending to be a friend or family member in distress. Police said the caller tells the victim they have been arrested and need money for bail or that they are having trouble returning from a foreign country. The fraudster specifically asks the victim not to tell other relatives. To make the situation look more authentic, police said, a second scammer may call the senior pretending to be a police officer or a lawyer involved with their `grandchild's' case. The victim is convinced to send money through a wire transfer service or provide access to banking or credit card information. By the time the senior realizes things are not as they seem, the money is often already gone. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre said nine per cent of the total number of complaints it received in 2013 were submitted by victims of the `Emergency Scam'. Of those 2,269 complaints, 743 people were identified as victims. "Increasing awareness is the first step toward reducing the devastating impact of all forms of fraud, particularly to our most vulnerable citizens," said Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod of OPP Investigations and Organized Crime. "I can't stress enough the importance of reporting any scam. This allows police to investigate, lay charges, and to warn others." OPP Anti-Rackets Branch members said money generated by fraudsters through the `Emergency Scam' is used to fuel other criminal enterprises across Ontario. Police advise residents to check with another family member or trusted friend to verify if the information the caller is giving is true. These incidents should be reported to police every time they occur to allow police to investigate and find those responsible. Police said there are probably many more victims of this scam who are either too embarrassed to report it or who do not know how to report it. Anyone who has been or knows someone who has been a victim of the `Emergency Scam' is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477). 3 | Thursday, March 20, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com inside today's Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Spotlight Sports 6 332 Health Classified 20 36 Frescho, Food Basics, Metro, Listen Up Canada, M&M Meats, Allstate Insurance, Arrow Furniture, Rabba, Palma Pasta, Real Estate, MCM Contracting, Pita Pit, Flying Flyer, Real Canadian Superstore, Lowes Canada, Summit Garden Chinese Cuisine, News America, 2001 Audio Video, Hudson's Bay Co., Leon's Furniture, No Frills, Fortinos, Bouclair, Rexall, Bass Pro Shops, Pharmasave Drugs, Staples, Future Shop, Target, Globo Shoes, Canadian Tire, Michael's, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Toys R Us, The Brick, Drug Trading, Jag Communications, Centennial Windows, Old Navy, Reliance, Mark's Work Wearhouse, Best Buy, Lazyboy Furniture Gallery, Home Depot, Sobeys, Sears, Brick Mattress, East Side Mario's, Home Depot *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online at www.oakvillebeaver.com · ALL GAMES PLAYED IN OAKVILLE · PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AGED 3-17 BALL HOCKEY LEAGUES (AGES 7-17) $149.99 (until March 31) 2014 OAKVILLE MINOR BALL HOCKEY LEAGUE YOUTH BALL HOCKEY Includes jersey, shorts, socks $159.99 (after March 31) LEARN TO PLAY PROGRAM (AGES 3-6) $110.99 (until March 31) 114.99 (after March 31) All Programs are offered on Sunday mornings/afternoons from April to late June. Includes jersey 4 201 IS G RIN ON SP ECTI LL E! CO HER REGISTRATION TIMES & LOCATIONS Glen Abbey Recreation Centre - Meeting Room C Saturday March 22 - 1-4pm Toronto Rock Athletic Centre - 1132 Invicta Dr. Sundays 7-9pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 8-10pm The Oakville Minor Ball Hockey League is the only league in Oakville that is a member of the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation (OBHF) and has an affiliation with Hockey Canada. The OBHF is the only Ball Hockey organization in Ontario sanctioned by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA). The CBHA is an associate member of Hockey Canada. Contact us for Oakville Rangers Rep Ball Hockey Tryouts. visit www.oakvilleminorballhockey.com to register on-line 289-644-2464 CALL: 905.580.5794 FOR MORE INFORMATION