Friday

Another wintry day, with ice, rain, snow and assorted icky weather, producing some slick roads and unsafe driving conditions.  It is winter in Canada, so I expect messy weather… I’m ready to start planning trips, so stand by for details as they arise!  Jerry is again hyperactive, trying to keep my attention any time Don is out of the room. He’s been on my lap when I was on the phone, then he was stealing my crochet wool to get me off a video call.  He’s decided that phone calls and my nurses are unacceptable interruptions in his household management.  Don seems to have picked up my unhappy tummy, but it is improving.  I had a half of a chicken sandwich today, with the other half on hold for when next I’m hungry.  It feels good to be hungry again, and to be able to eat.  I’m starting to crave spice again, which I will be gradually introducing back into my food.  I’ll keep you updated on progress.  I weighed myself today, and the weight loss continues, but hopefully it will slow down!

I was woken up this morning by a robocall which alleged that there were unauthorized charges on my credit card — you know how they go.  I just hang up on them, and don’t press any numbers.  I got a second one from “duct cleaning” services, and I asked the young man why he was involved in such a scam; he challenged that it wasn’t, and I asked why then was it from a spoofed number?  He hung up, sounding angry.  I wonder really what leads people to scam others, or to steal from them?  From my perspective, it’s obvious that if something doesn’t belong to me, then I don’t touch it.  I mean, when I get mail from the mailroom, there are often boxes and packages there for other residents.  I’ll check for any deliveries for me, and the rest stay there.  Unfortunately, there are those who have stolen from our mailroom, sometimes people who gained access to the building, sometimes delivery persons, and occasionally residents.  Added to that are all the other scams — you’re wanted for tax fraud, your SIN was flagged in criminal activity; the police are after you; you’re going to jail; your child/grandchild is in trouble; “I need a favour, could you send me a gift card…” — that are all awful and prey on people’s fear. They are successful with seniors, newcomers, people whose primary language is different — all members of vulnerable groups.  Some work because of people’s greed — the infamous “Nigerian prince” scheme being one of these.  

I may be naive, sheltered, innocent, out of touch — as you want — but I really don’t understand the desire to fleece people of what they’ve worked for and try to hurt them.  I confess that I’m less sympathetic to the people who lost money because they were greedy and thought that they were getting free, easy money.  But for people who feel fear that they’re likely to end up in trouble with the authorities, or who are concerned about their families or friends, I feel badly.  I  know someone whose email account was hacked, and all of their contacts got a message asking that we purchase an Apple gift card and send them the PIN in the amount of over $200.  We were all surprised and concerned, managed to contact them through alternate means and nobody sent money, thankfully.  Finally the scam of catfishing, and luring in people who are seeking partners, where these individuals pretend to be in need and ask for money… WHY???  What is the mental process that one goes through to say, “I’m going to scam others, cause as much harm and distress as I can, and steal from them.”  This is where I’d like karma to step up and kick ‘em square in the sensitive anatomy!!  

Same advice that appears on many sites — be very aware of who is calling.  Do not under any circumstances give out private/personal data on the phone.  If someone calls “from the credit card company,” do not provide details; hang up and call your card issuer directly.  (I had received one of those calls, apparently from my bank, and when I called the bank they confirmed that my card had been compromised.  I’d also received a call allegedly from Canada Revenue, and when I logged in to my secure account, it turned out to be real.) Don’t book services from cold calls; always call the company yourself.  Report scam / fraudulent calls.  It’s time-consuming, but if you say nothing, nothing will change.  Report the call, even if it’s “77 times” so the number / company is flagged.  If something seems too good to be true — I’ve heard this all my life — it probably is.  Don’t risk money on a stranger, no matter how charming they seem.  Police officers do not show up at your door to collect fines, which cannot be paid by gift cards in any case.  They also don’t call you to say that you’re being charged with a crime.  If your family member is allegedly in trouble, and they say, “don’t tell my parents,” hang up, call the parents at once, and call the person directly.  

I hope that keeps someone out of trouble.  It makes me so angry that there are people who willingly do this and who are so deceptive.  Parents, I encourage you strongly to train and correct your children so they don’t stray into this kind of behaviour.  In fact, if you are aware of a family member or friend who is involved in this kind of activity, report them to the authorities.   Any other ideas or suggestions on how to counteract this scourge?  I’m eager to hear and share them!  Now, I’ve been neglecting a small, persistent, little nose-butting, attention seeker, so I’ve got to go now.  Good night!