A number of tactics are used by criminals to steal money from vulnerable Seniors and other gullible persons. These include investment scams, purse/wallet snatching, robbing mail boxes, breaking and entering and impersonating financial officers.
Consider having payments you receive on a regular basis, such as pensions cheques and dividends deposited directly to your account. Not only is this more convenient, as you do not have to make a special trip to the bank, your money starts earning interest immediately. Many criminals, including con artists, are aware that seniors receive their pension cheques at the end of the month and direct deposits are a good crime prevention technique.
Consider storing stocks, bonds, jewellery and other valuables in a safety deposit box. Not only will your valuables be safer but they will also be together in one convenient location so you will always know their exact whereabouts.
Pay monthly bills such as telephone and hydro at a financial institution or by telephone banking.
Do not carry large amount of cash; if you need to carry large amounts, consider using bank drafts, money orders or cheques.
Use travellers cheques when vacationing. They are usually easily negotiable at hotels, restaurants, and financial institutions and can be replaced within 24 hours if they are lost or stolen.
Always sign a new credit card when you receive it. Always destroy old cards. Never provide anyone the credit card number unless you initiate the transaction, i.e., a telephone purchase.
Over one million Block Parents in Canada regularly display a special symbol in their window to let children, adults, and senior citizens now they are immediately available in times of emergencies. Contact you local police department for further information or to participate as a Block parent.
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Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam Crime Prevention Unit 2986 Guildford Way Coquitlam, B.C., V3C 2M3 |
464-3461 |
Works with volunteers to help reduce, prevent and control
crime or opportunities for crime through preventative initiatives.
Activities include Block Watch, Citizen's Crime Watch Patrol
and Block Parents. Contact: Linda Watkins |
| Port Coquitlam Block Parents | 464-3461 | Contact: D. Dray |
| Port Moody Block Parents | 931-6666 | Provides a place of protection for children in fear or need. |
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Port Moody Community Office Port Moody Place 3051 St. John's Street Port Moody, B.C., V3H 2C4 |
461-3456 Local 4657 |
Provides safety and information to residents of Port Moody;
Block Parents; Crime Watch; School Liaison. Contact: Cst. Bob Lindsay |
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St. John Ambulance Brigade 200-627 Columbia Street New Westminster, B.C., V3M 1A7 |
522-6390 | First aid services at community events;first aid training for community members. |