It’s a sad reality: scammers target seniors. And scammers are becoming more and more brazen in their tactics.

For many families in Edmonton, Leduc, and across Canada, the increase in these scams is a significant source of stress and concern. They worry about the personal safety of their elderly loved ones and how best to protect them from harm.

At Maxx Security Services, we care deeply about your family’s security and peace of mind. That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness and providing helpful tips through our security services - helping you guard what matters most.

We want to shed some light on current scam trends, and also equip you with information on how you can prevent your loved one from becoming a victim!

Some Common Scams

There are many creative scams going around, and new ones seem to pop up almost daily. However, here are just a few examples:

‍

1. Impersonating Authority Figures

Scammers may pose as law enforcement or other officials to manipulate and intimidate. They might claim there's been a legal issue or emergency that requires immediate payment.

By pretending that law enforcement or another official agency is involved, scammers cause panic - making it harder for the person to think rationally.

‍

✅ How to Respond:

Encourage your loved one to ask for identification, write down details, and hang up immediately. Then, they should find the official contact number of the supposed agency - not the one the caller provides - and call to verify the information. This simple step can be crucial for guarding their personal safety.

Critical Reminder: caller ID's can be faked! Your caller ID may very well show the real name of the alleged institution, even if it's a scam call.

‍

2. Impersonating Family Members

This scam is particularly disturbing. With artificial intelligence, scammers can now replicate a person’s voice with unsettling accuracy.

A common ploy involves a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild in trouble - usually needing money urgently.

‍

✅ How to Respond:

Always verify directly. Call the actual family member or use a family “safe word” only known among trusted relatives. This is a valuable personal safety tool that can guard against emotional manipulation.

‍

3. Scam Emails and Texts

From fake package delivery texts to phishing emails from platforms like Facebook, scammers are relentless.

‍

✅ How to Respond:

Never click on unknown links. Instead, go directly to the organization’s official website or contact them through verified channels. This simple act of caution greatly enhances your cybersecurity and personal safety.

‍

4. Scammers at the Door

Some scammers go as far as showing up at your home. This kind of intrusion is especially concerning when it comes to the elderly living alone.

‍

✅ How to Respond:

Consider installing a doorbell camera, which is a valuable tool for security monitoring. Residents in Edmonton and Leduc have found these tools effective in protecting their homes.

Also, remember basic home safety rules: don’t open the door to strangers, always use your peephole, and if something feels wrong, it probably is.
‍

A Final Word on Protection and Prevention

Our overarching piece of advice: whenever your personal information or money is involved, guard it fiercely. Triple-check. Quadruple-check. Assume that caution is always warranted.

If you or your loved ones feel overwhelmed or unsure, consider reaching out to local security services. Whether it’s home security, mobile patrols, or community education, these services offer valuable support in guarding your personal safety.

We proudly serve Edmonton, Leduc, and nearby communities - offering peace of mind through professional security guard services designed to protect families just like yours.

If this post was helpful to you, consider sharing it, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more security tips and updates. Together, we can build a safer community.

‍

🚨 P.S: Have you read our blog post on 10 Effective and Affordable DIY Home Security Tips yet?

‍