Messages from the Sûreté du Québec
Grandparents Fraud Prevention
The Sûreté du Québec would like to remind seniors of a few prevention tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of “Grandparent” fraud. Fraudsters use a variety of schemes to get money out of their victims. The suspects often use the same approach with senior citizens. Or example, they may contact them by phone pretending to be a police officer and ask for a few thousand dollars to release the senior citizen’s grandchild who has been incarcerated. They take advantage of the elderly person’s vulnerability to put pressure on them by playing on their emotions.
When using these scams, fraudsters are trying to put pressure on their victims. That’s why you should always make sure you do the necessary checks before trusting anyone.
- Never give money to a stranger or to someone whose identity you have not verified.
- If an individual claims to be acting on behalf of an organization, contact the organization directly.
- Never disclose personal information to an individual who cannot prove their legitimacy.
- When someone is too insistent or even insolent (e.g., demands your answer on the spot), ask yourself questions, do not trust them.
- Ask personal questions that only your loved one would be able to answer.
- Call the person’s parents, another family member or friends to verify the validity of the story presented to you.
The Sûreté du Québec invites the public to visit the Tips section of its website (www.sq.gouv.qc.ca) to learn more about fraud or to visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at www.centreantifraude.ca
Don’t let distraction blind you!
istracted driving is one of the main causes of fatal and serious injury collisions in Quebec. A distracted driver may not see up to 50% of the information in his environment. They look without seeing what is going on. So, distracted driving is like driving blindfolded, or semi-blindfolded. Would you do it? When driving, it is important to stay focused on the road and our immediate environment.
When driving, remember to drive! It is important to remember that distracted driving is not just about using a cell phone. It can be cognitive, visual, manual or auditory in nature. Although often done automatically, driving is a complex task that requires our full attention.
Required to drive a moped!
- Be 14 years of age or older;
- Hold a class 6D licence.
- Successfully complete the Road Safety Education Program – Moped Driving course at an accredited school.
The holder of a Class 6D licence is subject to the zero-alcohol rule. It is an offence under the Criminal Code to drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.
Reminder regarding traffic rules and mandatory equipment
- No person under the age of 16 years shall operate a moped and carry a passenger;
- Wear a protective helmet that meets the standards established by regulation;
- Mopeds must be equipped with a securely attached mirror on each side;
- The driver of a moped must sit on the seat and hold the handlebars at all times;
- No person shall operate a moped on a controlled access road and its ingress or egress routes;
- The driver of a moped must keep the white headlight of his vehicle on at all times;
- The noise level of the exhaust system of a moped must not exceed the level established by regulation.