Veiner centre focuses on fraud prevention throughout February

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 7, 2025.

This month the Unison at Veiner Centre is shedding the spotlight on several frauds and scams targeting seniors that are becoming more prevalent within the community.

Reports of frauds targeting aging adults, including the ‘Grandparent Scam,’ have been increasing in Medicine Hat.

Recently, Medicine Hat police released another reminder to the public of the phone scam that is designed to fool seniors into thinking a family member is in trouble, an accident or detained, and requiring immediate financial help.

However, other frauds including romance scams and bank-imitation phishing scams are also designed and targeted to trick seniors.

Next Wednesday, Feb. 13, The Veiner Centre has partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a presentation on common frauds and scams, and to provide knowledge to identify a scam and prevent being defrauded.

According to a promotional ad for the presentation, 78 per cent of adults aged 65 and older have encountered at least one fraud attempt.

“Scammers operate year-round, making it essential to understand how to protect yourself and your finances.”

This month the Veiner Centre is also reminding seniors about its Elder Abuse Outreach team that offers support for adults over 50 who may be experiencing some form of elder abuse.

Referrals can be made from anyone concerned for the well-being of an older adult. The team will offer assessment, support and case management to those experiencing elder abuse, and provide education, advocacy and referral services, plus share with seniors some knowledge, skills and competence to help end the abuse.

“Some of the seniors in our Elder Abuse Shelter are victims of financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings,” states a press release from the Veiner Centre.

Tax clinic

Income tax season is just around the corner and the Veiner Centre is getting ready to offer its annual tax clinic to help low-income seniors file their returns for free.

Accountants who volunteer for the tax clinic can also help seniors access benefits and refunds that are available to help boost financial security, as well as securing their GST rebates.

This year clinics are planned to run from March 3 to April 30.

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