November (26.0 MB) - Senior Connector

November 2011 Senior Connector www.seniorconnector.com Page 33Watch out for the fraudsterThe following is part of a series of informational articles aimed at increasing public awarenessabout the services provided by the Kamloops Victim Services Unit.The Unit offers a variety of information and services, at no cost, to any victim or witness of crimeor trauma. All Unit members have received specialized, comprehensive training in victims’ issues,the criminal justice system and crisis intervention techniques. The Unit is located at the main PoliceDetachment at 560 Battle Street. Victim Services operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week andmay be accessed by calling 250-828-3223.Professional Nursing and Home Support24 hour service • 7 days a week• Personal care • Homemaking and cleaning• Meal preparation • Companion care• Foot care services • Drug and Alcohol Testing• Flu Immunization ClinicsCall Us ForA Free In-HomeAssessmentKAMLOOPS250-851-2911#101-635 Victoria Street www.wecare.cawcs25_febRelationships with other people are based on trust and there are a growing number ofpeople who use relationships to commit fraud. This fraud is known as affinity fraud.In affinity fraud, fraudsters join a religious, ethnic or community group and builda trusting relationship with members of the group and then defraud them. Fraudstersintroduce the scam to a few prominent members of the group. Once the relationship isestablished, the respected group member introduces him/her to other members of the group.The fraudster makes the investment appear legitimate. He/she uses the pyramid or ponzischeme. This is a ploy, often very elaborate, in which the con artist uses money from newinvestors to make payments to earlier investors. Believing their investment is successful,excited investors enthusiastically endorse it and others are convinced. As the scam runs itscourse, the supply of new investors inevitably runs out, the whole scheme collapses and mostinvestors lose their money.To avoid being a victim of an affinity fraud, beware of the following:· Watch out for investments or advisers who exploit a religious connection. Hold religiousfinancial planners to the same standards as you would anyone else.· Don’t trust any claim that religious-based investments are not regulated; mostinvestments are regulated by security laws and must be registered for sale.· Don’t be rushed into making a decision; if someone is pressuring you to make a decision,be suspicious.· Be skeptical of anyone who discourages you or other investors from seeking professionaladvice from neutral, outside experts, such as lawyers, accountants, investment counselors,bankers, or the Better Business Bureau.· Beware of any new member of your group who begins talking about wealth-buildinginvestments.· Get a prospectus or other written information. A legitimate salesperson must providedetailed written materials outlining the nature of the investment, the risks involved, financialstatements and any restrictions on getting your money out.· Check out the promoter and the investment. Contact the BC Securities Commissionto find out if the salesperson is registered to sell securities in BC and if the investment isregistered for sale.If you have been the victim of affinity fraud, or want to check out an investment, contactthe BC Securities Commission at 1-800-373-6393.Vote AndyAndy Philpot is committed to:• Making decisions that acknowledge the needsof each sector in our community includingseniors, youth, ethnic, cultural groups, specialneeds and lower income families• Fulfilling current and future community needswhile ensuring fiscal responsibility• Continuing to support the Tournament Capitalprogram and TRU• Addressing the growing needs of our vibrantlocal arts communityPhilPot✔for City CouncilAndy Philpot, a recently retired Kamloops Fire Chief, asks you for your vote inseeking a seat on city council.Andy not only believes in a city council that is fair, open and approachable, buthas been committed to making our local and global community a better placeto live for most of his life.Andy has been a resident ofKamloops since 1964, graduatingfrom North Kamloops SeniorSecondary School. Before startinghis 30 year career with KamloopsFire Rescue, he apprenticed in therefrigeration field, worked for alocal Industrial supply company as✔✔✔✔well as spending 20 years on theMV Wanda-Sue.After retiring from KamloopsFire Rescue, he continues tohold the volunteer position ofDivision Superintendent with St.John Ambulance, volunteers withOperation Nicaragua as well asandykamloops@gmail.commaintaining the aids to navigationon the South Thompson River.To learn more about Andy Philpotand how he is committed tomaking decisions that representall sectors of our community,email him or visit his website.www.andyphilpot.caAdjacent to Northills MallKamloops’ Newest 55+ IndependentLiving Seniors residenceNOW SELLINGStarting at only$149,900!COMING SOONSilvercrest Suites is Kamloops Newest 55+ Independent LivingSeniors residence. It will be located on Vernon Avenue, directlyadjacent to Northills Mall, Shoppers Drug Mart ,Extra Foods,TD Canada Trust, North Hill Medical Clinic, the YMCA fitnessclub and the Seniors Information Center.Silvercrest Features• New Secure Building with Sprinkler System• Elevator• Pets friendly• Gated parking area• Roof Top Garden terrace and recreation room• Storage Units and Scooter Parking• Each unit has balcony or patio• Compact & Efficient units allow for low cost living• Step in Showers• In-suite Laundry• Rental and Purchase Options available“Retirement Living with Independence and Choice”For more information, contact:Ross Spina .... 250•374•3331Helen Ralph ... 250•374•3331www.silvercrestsuites.com