Wednesday 10 February 2021

How to spot the romance scam?

 

Looking for love in all the wrong places - how to spot the romance scam

February 2021

Romance scams are among the top ten frauds affecting Canadians according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, costing Canadians more than $18.5 million in 2020. This Valentine's Day, learn how to recognize the scam and stop it from happening to you, and then spread the word to others:

Warnings signs

Here are some warning signs that your new relationship may be a scam:

  • Your new friend moves too fast. Scammers are trying to develop a quick relationship with you so be on your guard when someone professes their love to you.
  • If your love interest asks you to send money, be very suspicious.

  • Does your new friend have an online profile? Look for inconsistencies between what they post, and what they tell you.
  • If you receive a message from your friend and they use the wrong name, that may be a red flag. Many of these fraudsters are working on multiple victims at the same time.
  • Scammers will claim that they live close to you but that they’re working overseas. They do this so that they have numerous reasons to ask for you for money. Be on your guard.

If you think you may be a victim


If you think you may be a victim of a romance scam or any other kind of fraud, it’s important to contact police immediately. Bank staff are aware of these kinds of scams and are trained to pay attention if a customer makes an unusual transaction - for example, withdrawing more money than usual. However, you are ultimately responsible for any funds that you withdraw from your bank account. That’s why it’s especially important to ask questions and be 100 per cent positive about who you’re sending money to and why.
 

Did you know?


The CBA offers a free fraud prevention seminar for seniors as part of its Your Money Seniors financial literacy seminar program. Request a fraud prevention seminar today!

As a consumer, you also have an important role to play. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be aware of the different types of scams and fraud so you won't be victimized.

Wednesday 3 February 2021

Take a load off your water bill and the planet

Take a load off your water bill and the planet (NC)
Save your water bill!


Conserving water at home can help ensure a steady flow of clean, safe water for all while reducing our water bills at the same time. With a lot of water typically consumed in the kitchen, consider these unexpected ways to help you use less water and feel good about it. 

Keep bottles or pitchers of drinking water in the refrigerator. 

No one wants to drink the warm water that first flows from the tap. Rather than wasting it, catch the water in a container and pop it in the fridge. Invest in a tap water filter and you can save on bottled water too.
 
Repurpose the water used with fruits or vegetables. 

Clean fruits or vegetables in a bowl or pot of water and use it for houseplants or the garden. After steaming or boiling vegetables, use that water to start a stock for soup or to water plants. Get into the habit of collecting and repurposing spent water such as water left in drinking glasses or pet dishes, ice dropped on the floor, etc.

 Defrost foods in the fridge.

 Although putting frozen foods under running water helps them thaw faster, it also wastes a lot of water. Instead, plan ahead and put the food in the refrigerator overnight to safely defrost – and not use a single drop of water. 

Save water by using your dishwasher.

 It may surprise you that running the dishwasher half full wastes less water and energy compared to handwashing those same dishes. An Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses 15 liters of water every cycle, while a running faucet uses 15 liters every two minutes and about a quarter of the energy used to wash dishes by hand – helping to alleviate any guilt for using the dishwasher more. 

When shopping for your home, look for brands that are committed to saving water and water conservation, like Cascade. Find more information at cascade.takeahalfloadoff.ca/en.

Thinking of saving your hard-earned money and valuable time when you are looking for your dream home? Look no further. Leave your message here.

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