Scam & Fraud Awareness
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones Before and After Loss
October 21, 2026 | 7pm-8:30pm
Scams and fraud are becoming increasingly sophisticated, affecting individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds.
During times of loss, transition, or major life change, people can be especially vulnerable to those seeking to take advantage of their trust, emotions, or uncertainty.
Join us for an informative and engaging evening with guest facilitator Julie Matthews, consumer protection expert, certified fraud examiner, former investigative reporter, and trusted fraud prevention educator.
Through real-life examples, practical strategies, and current scam trends, Julie will help participants recognize warning signs, protect personal information, and make informed decisions when faced with suspicious situations. Whether you are planning ahead for your own funeral services, supporting aging parents, serving as an executor, navigating the loss of a loved one, or simply wanting to better protect yourself and your family, this presentation will provide valuable tools and insights for today's increasingly complex world.
Topics We Will Explore
Could someone really clone a loved one's voice using artificial intelligence? How do scammers find grieving families? What information should be shared—and who can legitimately ask for it? How can you tell the difference between a trusted professional and someone trying to take advantage of your situation?
Join fraud prevention expert Julie Matthews as she pulls back the curtain on some of today's most common scams, including those targeting seniors, executors, and families navigating loss.
Through real-world examples and practical advice, you'll learn how to protect personal information, recognize warning signs, avoid costly mistakes, and confidently respond when something doesn't feel right.
From digital safety to romance scams, identity theft, and financial fraud, this presentation will provide valuable tools to help you safeguard yourself, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.
Who Should Attend?
This presentation is suitable for:
• Older adults and seniors
• Family caregivers
• Adult children supporting aging parents
• Executors and future executors
• Individuals planning ahead
• Those navigating the loss of a loved one
• Anyone interested in protecting themselves and their family from fraud and scams
What Participants Can Expect
• Practical and actionable information
• Current examples of scams affecting Canadians
• Tools to help identify fraud and reduce risk
• Opportunities to ask questions and learn from real-world scenarios
• Resources for ongoing support and education
Knowledge is one of the most effective tools we have to protect ourselves and the people we care about. Join us as we learn how to recognize scams, respond with confidence, and make informed decisions before, during, and after life's most challenging transitions.
EVENT IMPACT PARTNER
CardVault: Official Educational Resource Partner
CardVault is an independently owned Canadian technology company specializing in secure payment data management. By helping businesses keep sensitive card data out of high‑risk environments, they help businesses minimize liability and reduce the risk of unauthorized exposure to businesses and credit card holders alike. Their commitment to security and education makes them a natural partner for this community awareness event.
Why CardVault Chose to Support This Event
Fraud prevention isn't just about technology—it's about protecting people. CardVault was founded on the belief that businesses should never have to compromise between convenience and security. Traditional options are often expensive, complex, and out of reach for most small businesses. CardVault changes that by making secure, compliant credit card storage both simple and cost‑effective. CardVault’s support for this event reflects a shared commitment to helping businesses build the understanding they need to recognize payment‑security risks, evaluate practical solutions, and make informed, confident decisions in an increasingly digital world.
About the Facilitator
Julie Matthews
Consumer Protection Expert & Fraud Prevention Educator
Julie Matthews is a consumer protection expert, certified fraud examiner, former investigative reporter, and fraud prevention educator. After spending nearly two decades as an investigative journalist—including ten years as Global Edmonton's well-known Troubleshooter—Julie went on to serve as a peace officer and senior investigator with the Government of Alberta's Consumer Investigations Unit. Today, she travels throughout Western Canada helping individuals, families, businesses, and communities recognize, prevent, and respond to scams and fraud. Visit www.juliematthews.ca to learn more.
When you're ready for more:
As you move through your grief, you may also find support in our other grief support events - Soft Landings is simply the beginning.
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Kristi Hammond
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