According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, as of June 30 Canadians have lost $283.5 million to fraud this year. This is on pace to break the record of $531 million set in 2022. Many of these cases involve seniors. In a pamphlet about financial abuse and seniors, the BC government says that financial exploitation is the most commonly reported form of abuse of seniors.

Seniors First BC, a non-profit organization that assists older adults across the province with issues affecting their well-being or rights is hosting a workshop on financial abuse at the Nelson Public Library.

Catherine Schlenker, a staff lawyer with Seniors First BC says, “financial abuse is the second most common abuse seniors face and there's been a rising number of calls we are receiving.”

CJLY also spoke with Lora Verigin, a Centralized Administration Services Rep for Kootenay Savings Credit Union. Verigin spoke to how often seniors in the Kootenays deal with financial fraud as well as some tips to avoid it.

The workshop will provide information on what financial abuse is, strategies to avoid it and resources that can help if you or someone you know is dealing with financial abuse.

The free workshop is on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; it can be attended in person or via Zoom.

Listen to the story on CJLY below: