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THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, DECEMBER 20,2000 PAGE A5 Province warns about holiday fraud BY JACQUIE McINNES Staff Writer CLARINGTON - Christmas chaos can be the perfect environment for a fraud artist to help people part with their money. To help alleviate that, the federal federal and provincial government have each announced services to help Ontarians guard against unscmpulous individuals. The provincial government has launched a holiday gift aimed to increase increase the awareness of seniors all year long. The Fraud Free 2001 Calendar is an initiative of the Ministry of Consumer Consumer and Commercial Relations and the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. "It's an annual calendar focused on seniors. Fraud's an area of very serious concern to the ministry," says Durham MPP John O'Toole, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations. "Our research research indicates seniors are the most vulnerable," he says. While the calendar was created with seniors in mind, it's a tool everyone can use, he notes. "There are a lot of current things in it; the deregulation of the electricity market and phone fraud... vacuum cleaner sales, home repairs and time share." This time of year people should be especially cautious, warns Mr. O'Toole. "There are phone scams where people people are calling for charity, or at least with the appearance of being charitable. People People tend to be generous at this time of year," and possibly more trusting, he says. Industry Canada has released a list • of web sites available for consumers to learn about consumer scams, to shop online online safely, calculate credit costs and learn.how to spot misleading promotions. promotions. People short of money and/or time during the holidays may fall prey to scam artists who thrive on people looking looking for a quick fix to cash flow problems, problems, Industry Canada suggests. The ministry warns people should "never send money to claim a prize or gift or pay a fee to receive a loan." Information about scams is listed at hltp://consumer- connection.ic.gc.ca. At the same site, consumers can also get infonnation on shopping safely on-line. At this time of year, Canadians tend to use their credit cards more frequently frequently and with the wrong cards, consumers could pay hundreds of dollars more each year than they need to, the ministry suggests. suggests. The credit card cost calculator at the same web site can help consumers find the best credit card deals. Mr. O'Toole also cautions people to read mail promotions carefully. Scratch and win tickets which offer possible winnings by calling a 1-900 number usually have, hidden telephone costs attached attached and in some instances all participants participants are 'winners' of low or zero-valued zero-valued prizes. For more information on protecting yourself against fraud or to make a complaint, complaint, call the Competition Bureau at 1- 800-348-5358 or the Ontario govern- 800-268-1142. The Competition Bureau ment advice on phone fraud line at 1- web site is http://compelition.ic.gc.ca. MERRY CHRISTMAS From Your Area Houses Of Worship L % \ . 0Pmtses on Carols fill the air, lights and decorations twinkle brightly and the Christmas spirit abounds. What better time to send you a note of thanks for your support and wish you all a harmonious season. Noel! , l'Ai.iy'ui, ! V v. Rose and Cory Kuipers and staff of 9{orthcutt Elliott 53 Division Street, Bowmanville 625-5668 Newcastle United Church 84 Mill St. S„ Newcastle Welcomes You to otir Christmas Eve Services 10:30 AM - Morning Worship Sunday School For All Ages Nursery Care Provided 7:00PM - Candlelight Service of Beautiful Carols & Lessons CEntj.Clccuv ' § l. g aluvà; - Qui/ieil Temperance St. S„ Bowmanville invites you to celebrate Christmas with us. CHRISTMAS SERVICES December 24th Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. Carols for a King 4:30 p.m. Family Service (B.A.S) 7:00 p.m. Contemporary Family Services (B.A.S) 11:00 p.m. Holy Communion & Sermon (B.C.P.) December 25th Christmas Pail 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P) December 31st Christmas 1 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion (B.C.P) B §1. ÆuiCV ^1. (iillctf tlut/iciv 178 Church Street - Bowmanville Phone 905-623-7361 Fax 905-623-7786 Minister: The Rev. Nancy J. Knox Organist: Douglas Dewell Office Administrator: Helen Mclnnes Sunday, December 24 th 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service 7:00 p.m. - Family Christmas Eve Service 11:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Communion Service t You and your family are invited to join us . V M >? f#| Celebrate ; J New Year's Eve 1 Sunday, December 24 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - Nursery provided - Sunday, December 31 10:30 am Morning Worship 6:30 pm Guest Soloist Mark Masri The whole family is invited to an evening of contemporary worship to welcome in the new year. Liberty Pentecostal Church 1965 Martin Road North, Bowmanville, ON (N/E Corner of Hwys. #57 & #2) For more information: (905) 623-5100 JA VerfXierni Season OniHese mdern/fmes, - Ws^aooffo rmmbwf Ine aeimer Jrvasf Decmoers Jiummsmt i(ûnas never mme, Ws frue... / ^jrtmcGIlkeuaU'l YjS CHRYSLER Dodge Cfirifhnasjpcis nsimj ^imewmi'sirarÿens were weicomv witiv oven arms CMme fp sty Cjoés ynaiuj -praises In fÿmns m<Ej. 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