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Seniors Helping Seniors - Telemarketing Fraud
In December, 1999, "J" Division Commercial Crime Section, in conjunction with the Codiac RCMP, borrowed a best practice from "K" Division, and hosted their own "Hang Up On Fraud" campaign. The goal of the campaign was to educate seniors with regard to fraudulent telemarketing practices to prevent them from becoming victims. Telemarketing fraud costs Canadians an estimated $100 million annually and seniors account for approximately 60% of that amount.
Seniors tend to be very trusting and polite making them prime targets for fraudsters. The New Brunswick Seniors Association and NB Tel's Pioneer Club telephoned more than 750 seniors throughout the province with a message that it is okay to "Hang-up on Fraud." Dave Broadfoot, known far and wide as a veteran of the legendary CBC comedy show, "Royal Canadian Air Farce", helped raise the profile of the campaign as the official spokesperson. The event received extensive media coverage in Atlantic Canada, making the general public more aware of these scams.
Phonebusters' Gaston Laforge was also on hand to assist campaign coordinator Constable Michel Arseneau. Other partners contributing to the success of the campaign were NB Tel, The Mounted Police Foundation, Economic Crime Branch, Delta Beauséjour, Industry Canada - Competition Bureau, and the N.B. Dept. Of Justice - Consumer Affairs.
Organizers plan to make this an annual event.
Constable Michel Arseneau
Commercial Crime Section Fredericton, NB
E-mail: mike.mike.arseneau@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
telephone # 506 452-3475 (4203 direct)
Fax # 506 452-4208
