On Wednesday, June 12, we welcomed participants to our information session on Elder Abuse: Financial Fraud & Scams.
The event began with a quick excerpt from the short documentary “A House Divided,” which portrays the emotional complexity of family relationships that can lead to abuse of the elderly, the anguish and isolation of its victims, and the need for community understanding and support.
This was followed by a presentation from Déborah Stephenson, law student, and Marilyse Gosselin, jurist, at the Centre de justice de proximité de l’Outaouais who spoke in detail about fraud and scams with reference to two real-life examples: the first portrayed an itinerant merchant scam and the second a financial investment fraud.
A number of questions were asked by participants in particular on the role of the Consumer Protection Office (Office de la protection du consommateur) and the Human Rights Commission (Commission des droits de la personne).
We would like to thank Déborah Stephenson and Marilyse Gosselin from the Centre de justice de proximité de l’Outaouais for providing such an engaging and informative presentation.
If you, or someone you know, needs help, check-out our YouAsked: “What Should I Do If I Suspect Elder Abuse?” to find information on: what to do if you suspect abuse, what are the possible signs of abuse, and abuse prevention.
The following were some of the resources shared during the event:
Financial Scams & Frauds
According to the Canadian Department of Justice, over 10% of Canadian seniors are victims of consumer fraud each year and seniors continue to be a rapidly increasing segment of the population targeted by fraudsters and scammers. Examples of financial fraud include identity theft, credit or debit card fraud, prize scams (such as a fake contest offering a cruise as a prize), fake charities collecting donations for organizations that do not really exist and requests for money transfers.
Investing and Financial Advisors Fraud:
- L’Autorité des marchés financiers (Quebec) – Or call 1-877-525-0337.
- Canadian Securities Administrators
Fraud:
- Sûreté du Québec – Or call 819-770-9111, 310-4141 (to open an investigation into fraud, or contact your local police)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre of the RCMP – Or call 1-888-495-8501
- PhoneBusters (Canadian Anti-fraud Call Center) – Or call 1-888-495-8501
- Many banks and other financial institutions have pamphlets and websites about fraud. The Canadian Bankers Association website also has a section on this topic.
- Éducaloi – Seniors and Financial Fraud and Seniors: A Short Guide
Computer Security:
- Government of Quebec: Protect Your Identity Online (french only).
- Sûreté du Québec, RCMP and other partners: “Internet 101“.
Consumer Rights:
- Office de la protection du consommateur – Or call 1-888-672-2556 (consumer protection bureau)
- Canadian Consumer Information Gateway
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is real and it happens to many seniors. It includes psychological or physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial or property abuse, negligence and violation of human rights. And elder abuse is not always perpetrated by strangers. Over 90% of all reported abuse of seniors is committed by someone in their own family. Shockingly, financial abuse such as depleting joint checking accounts, promising but not delivering care in exchange for money or property, and even outright theft is most often committed by someone known by the senior. And it’s not just wealthy seniors who are at risk. Low income older adults are commonly targeted as well.
Related Resources:
Elder Abuse:
- Info-social, 8-1-1, option 2: Connects you to a qualified social worker 24/7, who will evaluate the situation and direct you to the appropriate service.
- Aide Abus Aînés is a bilingual, confidential help line and referral service for seniors who are victims of exploitation, abuse or neglect, and their families, friends, neighbours and the general population. Call 1-888-489-2287.
- Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (Human Rights Commission) is an organization that makes sure the protections in the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms are respected. The services of the Commission are free. Call 1-800-361-6477.
- Crime Victims Assistance Centre (CAVAC) help crime victims and their families. It is not necessary to file a complaint with the police to use their services. Services are provided by professionals and are confidential and free of charge. Call 1-866-532-2822.
- S.O.S. Violence conjugale – Or call 1-800-363-9010
- Éducaloi’s online legal information: Protecting Seniors from Exploitation and Abuse and Seniors: A Short Guide