suspicious,” warns Jeff. “Before investing or paying anything, do your homework. If you’re not sure if it’s a scam, complete a search of the company, reach out to a family member, speak with friends or a financial advisor of your choice.” Never be afraid to say no, hang up or delete an email or text and block it. If someone demands payment or threatens you, do not pay the money; call the OPP. Change your passwords frequently to ones that are strong and hard to guess. If you have fallen victim to a scam, call the OPP at 1-888-310- 1122. “Know that you are not alone,” Jeff emphasizes. “Many people feel ashamed and as a result remain quiet which often leads to feelings of isolation. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to fraud, and it can happen to anyone.” Educate yourself on the common scams and trends by attending a fraud presentation or visiting the Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Sound Too Good to be True? Then it probably is, according to the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Fraud is a multi-billion-dollar per year business, and whether you are a teenager, a senior, or any age in between, you could be at risk of becoming a victim. “We’re seeing so many frauds and scams within the county and throughout the province,” says Jeff Hare, Police Constable and Community Engagement Officer. “Last year, one individual lost $200,000 to a romance scam and another lost $32,000 after a random caller indicated their bank account was hacked.” Fraudsters use phishing emails, phone calls, and text messages to deceive, manipulate, confuse and cause an emotional reaction. “People may see the red flags, but the scammers are creating a sense of urgency, leading people to react impulsively,” explains Jeff. The way fraudsters communicate continues to evolve, making it difficult in some instances to determine whether an email or call is a fraud or not. Some scammers can mimic the call display of a financial institution or the voice of a family member. Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated video scams have also surfaced in Middlesex County this summer. These “deep fake” videos impersonate celebrities or politicians to entice people to invest in a financial opportunity. Many of the tactics scammers use are so convincing that it’s hard to know if they’re fake or not. “If an opportunity presented to you seems too good to be true, or it comes out of the blue, be
Join the Optimists and Make a Difference The Optimist Club of Komoka-Kilworth is inviting community members to join their mission of bringing hope and positive action to local youth. Becoming an Optimist offers a meaningful way to give back while connecting with others who share a passion for helping young people thrive. Members enjoy the chance to volunteer at local events, meet neighbours, and build skills in a friendly, supportive environment. The club’s activities not only support hundreds of children in the community but also foster lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging. To learn more about the club and how you can get involved, attend the New Optimists Welcome (NOW) event on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Komoka Community Centre, 133 Queen Street, Komoka. Everyone is welcome, and complimentary food and drinks will be served.
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KKD Villager November 2025
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