What should you do if you fall victim to a grandparent scam? What types of fraud are common, locally, with scammers, and what red flags should you look for in your day-to-day life? What should you do if you or someone you know falls victim to senior abuse, and what resources are available to help?
These questions and more are answered in the first instalment of Couchiching Cops in Conversation, a new podcast created in partnership with the OPP’s Orillia Detachment and OrilliaMatters to discuss local crime issues and the work police carry out in the community.
OrilliaMatters reporter Greg McGrath-Goudie joins Orillia OPP Const. Shelby Russell to discuss the growing issues of senior abuse and senior fraud, which resulted in more than 60,000 unsuspecting Ontario residents losing millions of dollars to scammers in 2023.
Beyond explaining how to best report instances of abuse and fraud, Russell encouraged residents who experience these crimes to reach out for support at victim-centered organizations like North Simcoe Victim Services.
Residents with questions about local crime issues and the OPP’s work are encouraged to reach out to Greg McGrath-Goudie at [email protected] for discussion during future episodes of the podcast.
