Skip to content

'Heart-breaking' incidents prompt Orillia OPP to issue warning

Local people have lost valuables and substantial amount of money; OPP urge people to seek legal advice, do research when choosing a power of attorney
OPP crest
Image from OPP
NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA OPP
********************
The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking the public to seek legal advice or do their research when choosing power of attorney (POA).

The Orillia OPP have had several heart-breaking occurrences where people have lost money or valuables and in some cases a substantial amount of money.

Talking about power of attorney and appointing one can be a difficult and sometimes awkward but important conversation. When deciding a POA it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer. 

If you do not seek legal counsel then some research should be done. There are many resources on the internet. A good source of information can be found at: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

Picking a power of attorney can be difficult. When picking a POA pick someone who is trustworthy, honest and will meet your needs when you cannot. It is recommended that you pick more than one person to be a POA and those people not be a married couple. This is so that a joint decision can be made when it comes to what is best for you.

When you sign power of attorney please continue to monitor your financial assets including properties and bank accounts. If you notice something is awry please contact your lawyer, police or family members right away. 

Do not let it get to the point where you are in a financial situation that is hard to get out of. Knowing your rights when it comes to POA is important; you can revoke POA anytime as long as you take the proper proceedures.

Having the feeling of being safe and secure in your golden years is important. You worked hard for your money and made sacrifices so you should be able to enjoy the money while you can and have the money for when you're unable to care for yourself but are in need of food and shelter.

If you suspect elder abuse either physical or financial please call the police at 1-888-310-1122 to report these instances. Our parents, grandparents and relatives deserve to be safe and secure. Remember it's not your fault and you don't deserve it.

Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.

If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at: www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
********************
 


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.