Omemee Pigeon eFlyer: Seniors Scammed! Police Seek Leads!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Seniors Scammed! Police Seek Leads!

John Melville White Peterborough - Fraud/Criminal Harassment Arrest!

Peterborough Police investigating seniors complaints of fraud and harassment, arrested John Melville White age 34 on the 11th of October, for an alleged fraud scheme involving several elderly victims. They are wondering if these cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Read on for details,of how you can help with this case.

Financial Fraud:Peterborough Investigation

Investigation revealed between June of 2008, and July 2011, a
male targeted several seniors and obtained over $40,000.00 from them. He approached the victims, all Peterborough residents, at their homes, and offered to do odd jobs. He befriended them, and worked to gain their trust, visiting them often. He was deceitful and told them he needed money for medical treatments, to travel and visit elderly sick family members, for school books and to help out his disabled daughter. He was able to convince the victims, three females ages 93, 79, and 91 and a 91 year old male, to give him cash and cheques.

Financial Fraud: Police Seeking More Connected Cases

John Melville White age 34 of Milroy Drive Peterborough,has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000.00, two counts of fraud under $5,000.00 and four counts of criminal harassment. as a result of the investigation, White was released from custody and will appear in court on the 3rd of November. Police are asking any other victims that may have been a target of this fraudulent scam to contact the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service at 705-876-1122

Financial Fraud: Fastest Growing Elder Abuse Be Alert for These Signs!

Financial fraud,the fastest growing form of elder abuse, broadly defined, as someone illegally or improperly using a vulnerable senior's money or other property. This type of crime often goes unreported as elderly victims are often too confused, fearful, or embarrassed. Protect yourself or loved ones from financial elder abuse by watching for the following warning signs:

An individual who suddenly forms a close relationship with the older person, getting easy access to his or her home, money, and other property.
Unusual or large withdrawals or transfers from bank accounts, or large credit card charges that the older person can't explain.
Changes in account beneficiaries, or authorized signers.
A dramatic change in mood or disposition, or other evidence of substandard care.
Sudden social isolation.

Senior Abuse: What Can Be Done?

Experiencing Senior Abuse? Does Senior Abuse Make Your Blood Boil? The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse a non-profit, charitable organization, works to help raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older adults. Their mission is to create an Ontario free from abuse for all seniors, through education, training, collaboration, service coordination and advocacy. Stop Abuse. Restore Respect. Call the Senior Safety Line Toll-free: 1-866-299-1011 or visit their website www.onpea.org