We’ve put together some great tips this month to help you stay safe as we kick off 2023.
Fraud Seminar
We’ve heard in the news lately about disturbing cases of people having their homes sold without their knowledge. It’s part of what’s known as “title fraud”, which happens when a perpetrator uses false identification or forged documents to steal the homeowner’s identity in an effort to remove their legal ownership of the property. When the scammers have a property’s title, they can sell it, or attempt to get money by means such as having the home re-mortgaged. For more information read: How to Protect Yourself From Real Estate Title Fraud
Mark your calendar! On Tuesday February 21, 2023 Over55 and Neighbourhood Watch will be hosting a seminar on fraud prevention featuring Const. Cathy Fountain with London Police Services.
What: Fraud Prevention
Where: Kiwanis Sr. Centre, 78 Riverside Dr. London
When: 1 pm
Cyber Safety
As always, keep an eye out for scams both new and old . South of the border, the FBI reports that illegal call centres cost Americans billions of dollars in 2022, and many of the victims were seniors. The Canada Revenue Agency publishes a list of the latest scams on its website: CRA Scam Alerts
And here’s advice on cyber safety from Public Safety Canada:
New Year, New Job?
January is the time that many of us make new year’s resolutions. But it’s also often the month when people start to look for a new job. According to the job search website themuse.com there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when embarking on a new career path.
- Apply mid month or later so that your application doesn’t get lost in a pile of holiday mail.
- Hiring may be prioritized in January because of a company’s financial cycles.
- Because it’s a busy time for hiring, companies may take longer to get back to you.
Also, if you are 55+ and looking for work or considering a new career, Over 55’s Skills At Work program can offer you specialized training and supports.
Winter Health & Safety Tips
Did you know that if you load a shovel with an average amount of snow (11 pounds) every five seconds, in 15 minutes you will have shovelled more than 2,200 pounds of snow? The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has advice on snow shovelling including:
- Look for a shovel that’s light, but sturdy. It should weigh a little over 3 lbs.
- The shovel should reach your chest to minimize bending.
- Push the snow when possible. If you must lift it, take lighter loads and turn your feet in the direction where it will be thrown, rather than twist at the waist.
Additional information can be found at Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
Fire Safety Charging Tips:
Sextortion
The numbers are troubling. According to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection-operated website cybertip.ca there was a 56% increase in sextortion cases against youth between March and August of 2022. London police joined a special campaign in January to raise awareness.
Ice Safety
With the colder weather upon us, we’re advised to use caution when approaching surfaces covered with ice. “Use extreme caution before heading out on a frozen lake or river in Ontario. Temperature changes or a fresh snowfall can contribute to concealing thin ice.” Source: Destination Ontario. The organization’s website recommends three steps for ice safety.
- Complete a visual inspection.
- Note the colour of the ice.
- Measure the thickness of the ice.
Visit the Destination Ontario website for more information. Ice Safety Destination Ontario
We hope that 2023 is treating you well, and we look forward to connecting with you again in February!
- Sincerely, the Over 55 & Neighbourhood Watch London Teams
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