Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) conducted a free Information Session about different types of fraud targeting seniors today. The full-day event was held at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church on October 26, 2024.
Many of us have encountered some sort of fraud attempt or have heard a friend or family member who has. Being a victim of such an attempt entails financial loss as well as loss of confidence and mental well-being. Today’s seniors are more active on line and are therefore more likely to fall prey to scammers. AFSS set out to empower our senior community by raising awareness about financial scams and arming them with the knowledge to identify various criminal strategies that target them and giving them tips about how to prevent loss. In addition, we wanted to bring seniors together in order to reduce isolation which is a major problem facing them today.
To make this vision a reality, AFSS successfully applied for a grant under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. After a year of planning, the successful event was a resounding success with the participation of more than 150 Senior Seniors, Junior Seniors and their Caregivers who gathered to learn about seniors’ scams, grandparent schemes, identity theft, and other fraud tactics that are prevalent today.
Registration for the Conference began at 9:00 AM with volunteers checking in participants, welcoming them, and guiding them to their seats. Many attendees had requested assistance with transportation, mobility, etc., and their needs were all recorded and accommodated.
The full-day conference was led by Silver Shield Project Manager Rosette Babayan. Rita Odjaghian, Chair of AFSS, welcomed everyone. Ms, Babayan gave an in-depth power-point presentation about Seniors’ Fraud, she explained the tactics used by scammers to take advantage of older adults and presented some case studies and video enactments. The presentation was followed by a “Health Break” with chair yoga and coffee break to allow attendees to mingle and socialize.
Next on the agenda was a talk by Margarita Grigoryan (Manager Customer Service, National Bank of Canada). She spoke about fraudulent schemes to steal money from seniors. Ms. Grigoryan discussed Romance Schemes, Grandparent Schemes, etc., and gave examples from situations she had personally encountered at the Bank.
The event was attended by the Honourable John McKay, Member of Parliament—Scarborough Guildwood, and by Ms. Hoi Pui Chan representative of The Honourable Jean Yip, Member of Parliament—Scarborough-Agincourt.
MP McKay congratulated AFSS for raising awareness about such an important topic. Ms. Hoi Chan presented a certificate of congratulations.
Reverend Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Vicar of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, congratulated AFSS for organizing such an important event. He spoke about the role that AFSS plays in the community.
During lunch all attendees had an opportunity to mingle and converse with friends and make new acquaintances. Volunteers helped serve lunch, complete surveys, give out supply bags, etc.
The afternoon session began with a Q & A by Police Constable Juneid Patel, Community Officer from 43 Division. He was accompanied by three Constables. Participants were invited to ask questions. Constable Juneid Patel gave tips about fraud and theft prevention as well as other issues concerning seniors today. His officers mingled with everyone and gave a feeling of security and accessibility.
As a break from the serious nature of the subject, Rosette Babayan conducted a memorable Chair Zumba session with lively Armenian music. Every participant, volunteer, board member, presenter and staff member danced to the lively music. Even the Police Officers took part in this wonderful break.
The final presenter was Garen Hagopian, (IT Consultant, from SuB LoGic Systems) Garen spoke about how to keep your technology safe and conducted a Q&A giving tips and useful advice.
Once again to liven the mood there was a Musical Interlude with Guest Singer Silve Khachikian who treated everyone to two lovely Armenian songs accompanied by Pianist Vanik Hovhanessyan.
An interactive Bingo Game rounded off the day and left everyone laughing and cheering.
All members of the Board of Directors of AFSS—Houry Aznavourian, Cecile Jaladian, Seza Nazarian, Janet Yeremian, Joseph Yeremian, as well as Sona Balabanian, Operations Manager came to the stage to present a special plaque to Rosette Babayan. They thanked her and her family for all their hard work and dedication in organizing the event.
Everyone remarked that they had a truly wonderful day of learning and fun and asked AFSS to plan another event soon.
AFSS is to a non-profit community organization with a mission to provide emergency support, settlement, and referral services as well as Refugee sponsorship guidance in the Greater Toronto Area. We are committed to enabling individuals to fully integrate, participate in and contribute to Canadian civil society. To learn more about AFSS’s Programs and Services and about upcoming events, please visit afsstoronto.ca or our Facebook and Instagram pages.
