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Consumer protection

Older adults are increasingly one of the largest target markets for many salespeople and service providers. Supporting older adults to make wise choices through consumer awareness and education efforts, setting standards for how personal financial services engage them, and protecting them from misleading advertising and fraud are some of the important topics covered in our resources below.

Older adults increasingly targeted by fraud and scams
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    Community kitchens provide benefits for social and nutritional health

    Public Health Nutrition (2013)
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    Communication Monographs (2018)
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    Patient-mediated interventions to improve professional practice.

    Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
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    Interactive conceptual framework of harmful gambling

    Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)
    This resource is a map where you can explore different topics that influence gambling behavior. Some topics include: gambling types, culture, society, and exposure. You can access the topics you wish to discover by clicking on the menu bars.
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    Protecting Yourself in the Season of Computer Infections

    Next Avenue
    The holiday season is a popular time for scams and phishing because of the increase in online shopping. Computer infections also spread during this time. Learn more about malware, phishing and computer infections and how you can stay safe on your computer this season.
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    Your Money, Your Goals – Overcoming Barriers Through Financial Empowerment

    National Council on Aging (US)
    This resource describes the barriers that seniors face when making financial decisions such as financial abuse, economic barriers and minority challenges. Learn how the National Indian Council on Aging is helping elders overcome these barriers.
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    How Financial Counseling Can Help You

    National Council on Aging (US)
    Use this resource to learn more about how to overcome personal debt after retirement and how to spot scams and bad credit counselling agencies.
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    Considering Tapping Your Home Equity? Compare Your Options First

    National Council on Aging (US)
    Use this resource to learn more about your options if you are considering using your home equity as retirement income.
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    Spot the difference: learn to recognize elder abuse bullying and frauds and scams

    Government of Alberta
    Learn about the difference between elder abuse, bullying and frauds and use this knowledge to protect elders from these crimes.
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    What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney (for financial matters and property) and joint bank accounts

    Employment and Social Development Canada
    This resource describes different types of power of attorney, what decisions they can make, the advantages and risks, and how to choose one. Learn how joint accounts work and the benefits and risks they bring.
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    What every older Canadian should know about: Managing and protecting their assets

    Employment and Social Development Canada
    To protect your assets in older age, make a financial plan, consider insurance, and read up on frauds. Resource shares more brochures about government programs.
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    What every older Canadian should know about: Financial abuse

    Employment and Social Development Canada
    Learn about financial abuse that older adults face such as scams, forced purchases, confusing documents or paying for relatives without consent. Resource shares more brochures about government programs.
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    What every older Canadian should know about: Fraud and scams

    Employment and Social Development Canada
    Consider protecting yourself from identity theft, credit card fraud, online scams, or door-to-door scams. Resource shares more brochures about government programs.
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    Food Recalls

    Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education
    Protect yourself and your family by being aware of recent public advisories for food recalls. This website maintains an up-to-date list of food recalls, issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
  • Web Resource Rating

    Online gambling

    Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO)
    Greater convenience, easier access, and the lack of real cash markers makes online gambling more dangerous than traditional gambling. However, internet gambling also allows players to limit the amount of money staked per hours played. Gambling companies may also use player tracking systems, warning players if their gambling behavior looks risky.
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    Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act

    Consumer Protection Ontario
    Learn more about your rights under the Consumer Protection Act. The Consumer Protection Act protects you from unfair practices and consumer transactions. Your rights include: the cooling-off period, misrepresentation and delivery of goods.
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    Identity theft

    Consumer Information Canada
    Identity theft is when personal information is stolen. This resource will help you stop and report identity theft.
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    Debit card fraud

    Consumer Information Canada
    Debit card fraud happens when someone steals your bank information and takes out money without permission. Many organizations in Canada protect citizens from fraud. This resource includes tips on how to prevent it and who to contact in case it happens.
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    Misleading advertising

    Consumer Information Canada
    Internet scams are becoming more elaborate and prevalent. Read this resource for information on how to protect yourself and identify online scams.
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    Know your rights: Joining a gym or fitness club

    Consumer Protection Ontario
    There are many gyms and fitness centers to choose from. Read this resource for information on how to choose the right one for you.
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    Scam Alert: Financial Abuse of Older Adults Expected to Skyrocket During Pandemic

    Institute on Aging
    Scammers are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and especially targeting older adults. They are using the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic to steal personal information and bank details. Never give out personal information over the phone and verify whenever you receive an alarming call or request for money. Stop communicating with a vendor or business if they pressure you to act immediately. Payments with gift-cards are also commonly used for scams. Read this resource to learn more.
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    The Dangers of Dying Without a Will

    Next Avenue
    The COVID-19 pandemic is a good reminder for the need to write your will. There are many downsides if you die without a will that can pass on your assets. The process will be different, but many estate lawyers can help you finalize your will while social distancing. Read this resource to learn more.
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    A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Living Expenses

    Senior living
    As you age, you will have to make several financial decisions. Be prepared to take on certain important expenses such as changes in housing or your health condition. Read this resource to know what to expect financially as you age.
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    Debunking COVID-19 (coronavirus) myths

    Mayo Clinic
    There are many untested claims about what can protect a person against COVID-19. Some of these claims are untested while others are downright dangerous. Read this resource to learn about some of these myths and how you can better protect against COVID-19.
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    Doing your shopping – coronavirus advice

    Age UK
    Knowing when and how to shop is important during the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone should generally limit the number of shopping excursions they make. Many stores in the UK have special hours for older adults and there are also community supports you can reach out to for help. Relying on your friends and family is also an option.
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    Debt Problems... What you should know

    OakNet: Canadian Law for Older Adults
    When you cannot pay your bills, you may accumulate debt. People with debt have different options to seek help. Read this resource to learn more.
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    Scams & Fraud

    OakNet: Canadian Law for Older Adults
    People who commit scams and fraud especially target older adults. Use the links in this resource to learn how to prevent frauds and the government services available for help.
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    8 Tips for Getting the Most From a Senior Living Community Bus Tour

    A Place For Mom
    Many senior living communities provide bus tours to help you get to know the senior living options in your community. Read this resource to learn more about how to make the most of your bus tour.
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    4 Everyday Ways to Help Your Elderly Parents Save Money

    Aging Care
    Helping your elderly parents save money can be a difficult task. Rather than focusing on controlling their spending, you can also create strategies to help them stay in their budget. Read this resource to learn about these strategies to help your loved one manage their money.
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    Pension scams

    Age UK
    Seniors in the UK are at risk of pension scams. Learn how to recognize a pension scam and how you can protect yourself from scammers.
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    Staying safe online

    Age UK
    Online scams and fraud are becoming more common. Read this resource to learn more about how you can stay safe online. You can also find resources in the UK, if you think you have been a victim of an online scam.
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    7 signs of financial elder abuse

    Get Smarter About Money
    Financial abuse is common among seniors and it is important to notice the signs. Use this resource to learn about some common signs that point to financial abuse so you can protect yourself and you loved ones.
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    Seniors: if you suspect financial abuse

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you suspect that you or a senior are being financially abused, use this resource to help you decide your next step.
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    Financial Abuse: Protecting British Columbia's Seniors

    Seniors BC
    Financial abuse can present itself in many ways and can be recognized as someone manipulating you to try and take your money, your property or other assets. Use this resource for help on how to prevent this type of abuse and where you can call for help.
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    Financial abuse of seniors

    Government of Alberta
    Learn the signs of financial abuse by reading about Janet’s story. If you suspect that a senior you know is a victim of financial abuse, use this resource for ways to address the problem and ensure that they feel safe.
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    Facts on elder abuse

    Government of Alberta
    Use this resource to learn about all the types of elder abuse that goes on in communities and in families and how you can help the victims.
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    Responding to Elder Abuse Resources: Who to call, when and why

    Seniors BC
    If you think you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, use this resource to learn ways to recognize the signs and for a long list of resources in British Columbia that will be able to help you report the abuse.
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    Financial Abuse Protecting British Columbia’s Seniors

    Seniors BC
    Learn more about the growing prevalence of financial abuse among seniors and examples of this type of abuse. If you suspect any type of financial abuse, use this resource to learn ways to prevent and report abuse using their provided resources.
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    Be Fraud Aware

    Seniors BC
    Fraud can happen to anyone anywhere and seniors should be careful when speaking to telemarketers on the phone. This resource also teaches you how to identify con artists in order to ensure your safety.
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    Dating in later life

    Age UK
    It can be hard for seniors to start dating again. This resource describes where you can meet new people, how to register for a dating website and tips for staying safe on the internet.
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    Secrets to healthy ageing

    Better Health Channel
    If you are a senior who is looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health, use this resource for tips on how to get started. Healthy aging consists of getting active, eating a balanced diet, keeping you brain engaged by learning something new, modifying your home and staying social to name a few.
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    Healthy and active ageing

    Better Health Channel
    Healthy and active aging includes not only physical activity and eating, but also socializing with others and feeling a sense of community where you live. Tips on types of exercise and healthy food options are given to help you implement this lifestyle change.
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    Consumer Fraud

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Learn how to protect yourself from consumer fraud and how report fraud if you spot something suspicious. Seniors are at a higher risk of being victims of fraud and can use this resource to stay informed.
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    Investment Fraud

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Learn how to protect yourself from investment fraud and how report fraud if you spot something suspicious. Seniors are at a higher risk of being victims of fraud and can use this resource to stay informed.
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    Charity Scams

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Be careful when donating to charities as charity scams are becoming more common among seniors. Use this resource to learn tips on how to spot scams and access resources for further information.
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    Grandparent Scams

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Use this resource to learn what grandparent scams are and how they target seniors over the phone. A step by step guide is provided in case of this situation happening.
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    Scams and Fraud

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Use this resource to learn more about scams and frauds and protect yourself from common scams on the internet. Additional links to resources are provided for more information.
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    Financial Planning

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    This resource offers links to many government resources in both english and french that are essential in planning for the future financially.
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    Financial and Legal Matters

    British Columbia Family & Social Supports
    Use this resource to help plan legal and financial matters after retirement and prevent scams and fraud. Links to other resources are also provided for more information.
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    Your Personal and financial decisions matter

    Government of Alberta
    Use this brochure as a guide for making personal and financial decisions with the help of the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. Links to other resources are also provided for more information.
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    IT’S YOUR MONEY: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FINANCIAL ABUSE

    Government of Alberta
    Use this resource to keep informed about financial abuse among seniors and steps seniors can take to prevent financial abuse.
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    Power of attorney basics

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you are starting to plan your finances for your loved ones, consider using this resource to learn more about power of attorneys and their importance.
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    Reducing your estate costs

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you are starting to plan your finances for your loved ones, consider using this resource to learn more about how you can reduce common estate costs and save money.
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    Using trusts in estate planning

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you are starting to plan your finances for your loved ones, consider using this resource to learn more about using trusts and some of its common uses.
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    Estate planning if you own a business

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you are starting to plan your finances and you are a business owner, use this resource to plan your estate and see an example given in the resource for more information.
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    What every older Canadian should know about powers of attorney (for financial matters and property) and joint bank accounts

    Government of Alberta
    Use this guide to learn more about the advantages and risks of powers of attorney and joint bank accounts in Canada. Find information on finding and choosing attorneys, things to consider before opening a joint bank account and many more topics.
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    Fraud Protection Strategies for Seniors on the Phone

    Canadian Center for Elder Law
    Watch out for people who pretend to be relatives in need of money. Prevent scams by not sharing personal information, and asking other relatives first.
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    Fraud Protection Strategies for Seniors in the Home

    Canadian Center for Elder Law
    Watch out for scam mail that asks you to transfer funds or call a number to receive prize money. Prevent scams by reviewing if you entered a real contest, and contact Canada post to stop delivering junk mail.
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    Fraud Protection Strategies for Seniors in the Community

    Canadian Center for Elder Law
    Watch out for con artists who try to scam you for fake community initiatives. Prevent scams by asking questions, reviewing the details of your investment and consulting with lawyers or accountants.
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    Fraud Protection Strategies for Seniors on the Internet

    Canadian Center for Elder Law
    Watch out for scam e-mails that offer free movies or sales. Prevent scams by not clicking on advertisements, deleting these emails and changing spam settings.
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    Fraud Protection Strategies for Seniors on Identity Theft

    Canadian Center for Elder Law
    Watch out for scam e-mails from fake banks or businesses that ask for your private information and contain computer viruses. Prevent scams by not clicking on advertisements, deleting these emails and installing safety software.
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    Making a will

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you have not already created your will, consider writing one today and use this resource to learn about the two types of wills that exist.
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    Choosing an executor

    Get Smarter About Money
    If you are starting to plan your finances for your loved ones, consider choosing an executor and use this resource for tips on choosing one.
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    What is the CRA doing about the RRSP schemes?

    Health Canada
    To stop registered retirement savings plan schemes, the Canada Revenue Agency is checking accounts more often and sending out warnings.
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    Home renovations

    Canadian Consumer Handbook
    This resource describes the process of renovating your home in a safe and cost-effective way. Consider getting a municipal permit, consulting an architect, and talking to many contractors.
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    Mortgage Fraud

    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
    In Canada, seniors are most often the victims of fraud and financial abuse. Use this resource to learn about how to recognize, protect yourself against, and report these crimes.
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    Income programs for older adults

    211 Ontario
    Many older adults require income assistance. Access this resource for information on available income programs for you.
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    Boomers need to consider savings protection

    Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC)
    Make sure your savings are safe by depositing it to a bank that is a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). The CDIC makes sure your savings are still available even if your bank failed. Use this resource to learn about two kinds of protection given by CDIC banks: RRIF and Trust funds.
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    Deposit protection at every life stage

    Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC)
    Make sure you deposit money into a bank that is a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). The CDIC makes sure your deposits are still available even if your bank failed. Use this resource to learn about the protection of CDIC for your retirement savings.
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    Cryptocurrencies and addiction: be cautious

    It is estimated that 425 million people around the world owns cryptocurrencies (also known as digital or virtual currencies). There appears to be a relationship between trading in high-risk cryptocurrencies or stocks and compulsive gambling. Learn more about cryptocurrencies and their associated health risks.
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    Financial capability: So important, but still a lot of evidence gaps

    There is still limited evidence on the effectiveness of financial capability interventions, but don't let that stop you from taking control of your nest egg!
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    Aging in your smart home while preserving your privacy

    More and more smart technologies are making their way into our homes. While smart technologies appear promising to support aging at home, can it maintain our privacy?
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    Pandemics and panic buying

    We have all seen images on TV, the internet and in the newspapers of entire shelves in grocery stores and other retail stores emptied from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But why do people experience this shopping fever during crises?
  • Blog Post

    When misinformation becomes viral

    A lot of people are experiencing stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). At a time when fake news is going viral, how can we fight misinformation?
  • Blog Post

    Older adults increasingly targeted by fraud and scams

    Financial fraud targeted at the aging population is a serious problem with both monetary and health-related consequences that is likely to continue escalating. Without development of prevention efforts, it’s estimated that the number of cases could nearly double in the next two to three decades.