Workshop at Ontario Tech University Focuses on Scam Awareness for Older Adults
Dr. Janette Hughes, a professor at Ontario Tech University’s Frazer Faculty of Education and Canada Research Chair in Technology and Pedagogy, led a workshop on June 13, 2025, at the STEAM 3D Maker Lab for more than 30 members of the Oshawa and Durham Central PROBUS Clubs. The session focused on strategies for detecting, avoiding, and reporting online scams.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, fraud is the most common crime committed against older Canadians. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that Canadians lost more than $630 million to scams in 2024. The workshop provided information on how older adults are commonly targeted and offered practical advice for online safety.
Topics covered included being cautious about unsolicited requests for personal information, verifying sources, using multi-factor authentication to protect online accounts, and not engaging with suspicious messages or phone calls. Dr. Hughes said, “Some scams involve obtaining personal information to commit identity theft or credit card fraud. In other instances, criminals exploit trust or the desire for companionship by posing as interested romantic partners, or as friends or family members asking for help.”
Karen Beier, vice-president of the Oshawa PROBUS Club, said members had already discussed their technological blind spots before the workshop. “There was one I got that was so realistic: an invoice for an antivirus program,” she said. “I’m looking at it and I’m thinking, ‘Did I sign up for that?’ I was really questioning myself on it.” Beier said that after the workshop, she and other club members felt more confident in their ability to spot online scams. “The information we received was amazing; everybody loved the seminar,” she said.
Ontario Tech University stated that this workshop is the first in a planned series intended to help older adults with technology.