Fraud Awareness Matters More Than Ever, Especially This Time of Year

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) 

The holidays are a time of connection, generosity, and goodwill. Unfortunately, they are also a time when fraud increases. Scammers know people are busy, distracted, and often more trusting during this season. Older adults can be especially targeted. Fraudsters are highly skilled, convincing, and persistent. The people behind them are professional, persuasive, and well rehearsed. Anyone can be caught off guard, regardless of age, education, or life experience. This is why awareness is so important.

There are many different types of scams circulating right now, from fake phone calls and emails to text messages that appear to come from banks, delivery companies, or even family members. The RCMP has an excellent resource that lists scams from A to Z and explains how they work. It is worth reviewing and sharing. They also explain why reporting scams is so important. Reporting helps authorities track patterns, warn others, and prevent future losses.

One of the biggest challenges with fraud is that many seniors do not report it. Some feel embarrassed. Others worry their family or friends will think they are no longer competent or capable of managing their affairs. This fear keeps many people silent.Being targeted by a scam does not mean someone has done anything wrong. It means a criminal used manipulation and pressure to deceive.

The BC Government has excellent resources as does the The BC Office of the Seniors Advocate. Both offer practical fraud prevention tips and guidance tailored specifically to older adults. These tools are designed to inform, not alarm, and to support independence and confidence.

Fraud prevention works best when it is shared. Talk about it with friends, family, neighbours, and community members. A quick conversation or shared link could prevent someone you care about from losing money or personal information.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), looking out for older adults is part of what I do, whether it is housing decisions, planning ahead, or helping people stay informed and protected. Awareness is one more way we support independence and peace of mind.

And finally, a little tongue in cheek reminder about one of the most common scams targeting older adults. If Johnny, your grandson, is really in jail and urgently needs money wired right now, Johnny can hang out there for a few hours while you call family members and confirm the story. Real emergencies stand up to verification. Scams do not.

Staying informed, asking questions, and taking a pause before acting are powerful tools. This season and all year round, awareness is one of the best gifts we can share.