OPP reminding residents about scams targeting seniors

WELLINGTON COUNTY –  As June is Seniors Month in Ontario, the OPP would like to raise awareness about frauds that target Ontario seniors.

In 2022, 26% ($138 million)of fraud losses reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) were reported by senior victims.

According to the CAFC, seniors lose on average 33% more than other demographics.  It is estimated that only 5 to 10% of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement.

The CAFC says the top frauds affecting seniors are:

- investment frauds ($79.1 million in reported losses in Canada in 2022, $36.5 million in Ontario);

- romance frauds ($19.5 million in losses in 2022, over $8.8 million in Ontario);

- service scams ($8.5 million in reported losses, over $6 million in Ontario);

- extortion frauds ($7.7 million in reported losses, over $542,000 in Ontario); and

- emergency-grandparent scams ($7.1 million in reported losses, over $4.3 million in Ontario).

Learn more about these frauds at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Anyone who falls victim to fraud, or knows someone who has, should contact local police and the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or its online fraud reporting system.