Today is Hallowe’en and Program Chair Trish Shouldice didn’t have to look far to find a scary subject to fit the occasion. Constable Jeff DeLeeuw’s PowerPoint talk on “Protecting Yourself from Frauds, Scams & Identity Theft” was filled with more ghouls and goblins than any haunted house. Being aware of how Internet, telephone and other criminals operate and how to respond is good to know any day.

 

Scammers collect personal information from a variety of sources: obituaries, the Internet, Facebook and other social networking sites, Canada411, stolen wallets, “shoulder surfing” (looking over your shoulder at ATMs), and going through dumpsters. The information is used by criminals to illegally take what is yours, usually your money. Other criminals with the same idea conduct scams: charity scams,, prize/vacation scams, romance scams (victimizing people who have recently lost a loved one), emergency scams (the familiar grandparent or grandson in distress scheme), computer virus scam (calls purporting to be from Windows are not legitimate), lottery scam (remember that you have to enter a lottery to win it), Canada Revenue scam (don’t click here to “access your tax refund” and don’t worry about police coming to arrest you if it’s a telephone scam). Jeff noted that what thieves need to steal your identity is just your name, date of birth, address and social insurance number, so be sure not to carry any unnecessary cards or receipts in your wallet. And be wary of point-of-sale terminals (such as those at gas pumps – they may be compromised).

 

You may be a victim if a creditor informs you of the acceptance (or refusal) of credit when you didn’t apply for it, or of a refusal which you know is based on incorrect information. You may also be a victim if your credit card statements show improper withdrawals or transfers or if indeed you no longer receive them.

 

What to do if you are victim? Constable DeLeeuw recommends first contacting the local police department. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly Phone Busters) at their web site -- www.antifraudcentre.ca – or by calling them at 1-888-495-8501, and the two major credit bureaus:

 

 

He also recommends investing in a shredder to get rid of no longer needed receipts and other papers. Photocopy important documents in case you lose the originals (they are easier to replace). Beware of phone solicitations asking for personal details; never give personal information on the phone (unless you initiative the call). Protect your passwords and PINs and change them when the clock changes for Daylight Saving and Standard time. Limit the amount of personal information you put on the Internet. These criminals are seldom caught, and, if they are, it is even less likely that you will get your money back. Vigilance is all you have.

 

 

It was President Nancy’s pleasant duty to welcome Trudy Kanellis into the Paul Harris Society (see picture at left). Society members pledge to contribute US$1000 annually to assist the Rotary International Foundation in carrying out its good work. In addition to the plaque (held by Trudy), President Nancy also gave her a pin. Trudy is also Rotary advisor to the Interact Club. At their last meeting, the Interactors donated $500 to the St.Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation for a Special Care Nursery. Trudy can be seen in the middle photo with Hospital Foundation Executive Director Paul Jenkins and members of the Interact Club. Several Rotarians responded to her request to assist the Interactors’ “Hallowe’en for Hunger” campaign by bringing in canned goods. In photo at right, Bill Horn models what the well-dressed warlock is wearing this year. Also, in keeping with the Hallowe’en theme, there were treats: cookies from Trish Shouldice and bags of candy from President Nancy. Thank you!

 

President Nancy welcomed Maggie Horn, wife of Bill, to the meeting and welcomed back Dave Rock after a long absence and Trish and Stew Shouldice after a week’s holiday….Next week (November 7), it`s the Club Foundation Annual General Meeting (followed by a Club Board meeting). And on November 14, it`s the Fall edition of the presentation of student Service Above Self awards to four St. Thomas high school students.

 

The Tour of Homes arrives next week (November 11-13). It’s the 21st Tour and the Club’s largest fundraiser. This year it’s “Christmas in the Country” with four homes outside the city. Please bring Trudy auction items for the Tour by the end of this week. Include a business card from the business, a piece of paper or sticker with your name on it, and a rough estimate of the value. Ed Willson noted that ticket sales are moving well at the outlets and that he is expecting more ticket revenue from club members by next week. Volunteer Coordinator Melody McKinnon has openings for Rotarians to be at house doors. Contact Melody if you haven’t heard from her at melody.mckinnon@gmail.com. Finally, Trish would like to be contacted with the number of dozen cookies for volunteers you are able to deliver to Trudy (either to her home or the Wayside).

 

Malcolm Rust reported that Fabiana Baltazar and Adrian Zamfir were married last Thursday (October 27) at Knox Presbyterian Church and that everyone had a great time at the reception (catered by the Wayside) which followed at the CASO Station. Fabiana plans to return to the Club after November 5….Ed and Kathy Willson are having an open house at the Wayside (bar area) on Saturday, November 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. All Rotarians and partners are invited, as Rotary has been a big part of their lives. ``No gifts please, but donations to the Caring Cupboard are welcome.``

 

The 28th annual Rotary Auction sponsored by the Rotary Club of London South goes live with online bidding beginning November 4 and continues to November 14. “Set up an account and let your fingers do the shopping! Bid often or proxy bid so you don’t have to continually monitor your item to succeed.” Funds raised support local and international children’s charities and the eradication of polio globally. Email general inquiries to RotaryCharityAuction@gmail.com or visit their website: www.LondonRotaryAuction.com.

 

Trish Shouldice was winner of today’s 50/50 draw. Sergeant-at-Arms Ed Willson fined himself for recognizing Hallowe’en as a statutory holiday. Brenda Merrifield was Fine Master but was unable to attend. However, she did pass along her intentions to Trudy who duly quizzed us on the Rotary Foundation’s global grants targets (eradicating polio, providing clean water, fighting disease, growing local economies, supporting education, saving mothers and children and promoting peace) and the year women became members of Rotary (1987).

 

HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation - Annual Programs Fund - credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwin Lowe, a member of the club.

 

Pat Baker (1) – A whole family of caregivers with whom she is acquainted managed to get a week away and Pat had the opportunity to look after a whole lot of children – and survive the experience!
Trish Shouldice (2) – For Jeff’s presentation; for winning the 50/50.
Gerry Janssen (1) – His stepson was married last Saturday.
Malcolm Rust (1) – For the Tour of Homes Committee who found the four homes for this year’s tour; he drove the tour route on the weekend and was quite impressed.
Maggie Horn (1) – Her Chicago Cubs won last night!
Bill Horn (1) – But Cleveland is still ahead in games won!
Trudy Kanellis (4) – For becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society (she believes it is a first for the Club); for the great Interact Club meeting last night (Adriana also attended); it is great to see Dave Rock back at the Club; thanks to the Rotarians who contributed to the Interactors’ canned food drive.

 

 

	ASAA	Greeter	Fine Master
Monday, November 7	Davey Moffatt	Trish Shouldice	Mike Moore
Monday, November 14	Ron Somerville	Trudy Kanellis	Ken Ferguson
Monday, November 21	Stew Shouldice	Pat Baker	Adriana Balderas
Monday, November 28	Ron Somerville	Ken Ferguson