Equifax: Helping Protect Seniors From Fraud and Identity Theft
While identity theft and fraud can strike people of all ages, senior citizens may be particularly vulnerable.
Fraud is the top crime against older Canadians, according to the intergovernmental Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. Reasons for that may include that seniors may be home more often during the day to answer the door or the telephone, according to the organization. They may also be more trusting and may not have family or friends nearby to ask for a second opinion.
Are the seniors in your life aware of fraud and identity theft risks? Here are some frauds and scams that may target senior citizens:
Online and email scams
Scammers may use pop-up browser windows to warn of a virus or tout virus-scanning software, prompting victims to buy and download a fake anti-virus program – or even an actual virus that may open the information on their computer to scammers. Also, phishing emails may appear to be from a legitimate company or financial institution, asking them to log in to their accounts.
What you can do: Explain the risks of pop-up windows warning of a “virus” or other computer issue, and help them install and update reputable anti-virus protection on their computers. Teach them how to recognize phishing emails – for instance, they can hover over the sender’s address to see if it matches that of the company. Encourage them not to log in to their accounts from an email link, but go to the company or financial institution’s web site directly or contact them to verify a communication is legitimate.
Identity theft
A scammer may try to get information such as a bank card or personal identity number, credit card number, health card number, or a driver’s license or Social Insurance number. They can then apply for credit cards, take out loans or withdraw funds in the person’s name.
What you can do: If their wallets are lost or stolen or mail is missing, encourage seniors to report it to banks and credit card companies as well as law enforcement. Help them find a secure place for personal documents and encourage them to leave items at home they may not need, such as their SIN card or passport. Source: https://www.consumer.equifax.ca/personal/education/identity/protect-seniors-fraud-identity-theft
How to choose the perfect patio furniture
(NC) Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee, dinner with family or entertaining guests, furniture adds functionality to your outdoor space. With the right pieces, you can greatly enhance the usability, comfort and overall appeal of your patio or deck.
Consider your wants and needs
Choose from a wide variety of materials, colours and styles that best suit your personality or the theme you’ve envisioned for your backyard oasis. If you only use your patio occasionally, a few basic items will suffice. But, if you entertain frequently or spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, shop for multipurpose items that can stand up to wear and tear.
Think about the material
Look for patio cushions with polyester fibres that allow water to run off and air to filter through, keeping them fresh. Cushions that have patterns on both sides allow you to flip them periodically, helping them maintain their appearance and shape. If portability is important, choose lightweight frame materials for furniture, like plastic and aluminum. If you don’t plan to move them often, or if they’ll be exposed to wind, go with heavier materials like wood and wrought iron.
Choose the type of patio set
Is your backyard oasis for hosting or relaxing? The answer to this question will determine what type of patio set you will want to choose. Outdoor dining sets allow you to host sit-down meals for up to ten people. Bistro sets are the perfect size for small patios or balconies. Conversation sets mimic the look of an indoor family room with a coffee table and various types of seating like loveseats, benches and chairs. Some models include gel-fuel fire pits built right into the table. Lastly, sectional sets would suit a more relaxing environment as they typically come in two or four combinations. Head to your local building supply store, such as The Home Depot, to check out the wide variety of patio collections available.
Furniture as final touches
Add an umbrella to shade seating areas and create a more comfortable environment. Choose mesh materials to filter sun while still allowing air to flow in and out. Move your cushions to a cool, dry location when they aren’t in use for prolonged periods of time (always clean them first). If you have limited space, use outdoor storage bins or deck boxes. Enjoy your patio when the weather cools with accessories like patio heaters and portable fire pits. Keep your furniture in top form with covers that help prevent mildew and weather damage.www.newscanada.com
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