As Fraud Prevention Month continues, the Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Unit is partnering with Victim Services to provide assistance to elderly victims of fraud who don't have family to rely on for help.

Seniors are some of the most vulnerable as fraudsters use schemes designed to exploit age-associated vulnerabilities and changes in cognition. In some cases, these victims do not have the support from family to take the necessary steps to stop a fraud from continuing, or preventing it from happening again. These steps can include closing fraudulent accounts, credit bureau alerts, computer sanitization, changing phone numbers, medical referrals, and other steps to prevent re-victimization.

The Economic Crime Unit is providing specialized fraud-related training to Victim Services support workers who can then support elderly victims of fraud with little to no family support in recovery from the fraud.

"We have found that in a few cases in the past, investigators filled the role of assisting victims, which unfortunately takes them away from investigating other files," explains Staff Sergeant Tony Nadon of the Economic Crime Unit. "With the assistance of Victim Services and specially trained support workers, it's our hope that we bridge the gap in providing support, while still having the resources to investigate other fraudulent activity."

Shining a spotlight on economic crime continues throughout the month of March. More information will be posted to the SPS social media channels throughout the month and citizens are encouraged to share and be part of the conversation.