Kelowna seniors receive scam prevention education from RCMP

Kelowna RCMP is helping seniors recognize scams as reports of fraudulent activities increase. Since January, there have been over a dozen scams targeting older adults, with some incidents likely going unreported. The local police have noted a significant rise in such cases this year. At a recent information session, seniors learned about identifying scams. Kelowna RCMP Constable Mike Della-Paolera emphasized that scammers often exploit current events to trick people. He warned that these scams can lead to significant financial losses, totaling around $40,000 so far. The event was organized by the Society of Hope, a non-profit that assists seniors with affordable housing. Executive Director Ken Zeitner explained that many victims feel embarrassed and unsure about what to do after being scammed. Providing awareness can help seniors feel more confident in taking action. Attendees reported that the session was valuable. Senior Cathy Landry mentioned she now knows what to watch for, while Winn Sherland highlighted the importance of caution and checking with others before making decisions. Della-Paolera continues to visit the community to educate seniors on safety measures. He encouraged everyone to trust their instincts and to report any suspicious activity to the police.