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FYI – PPAO – Covid-19 Scams
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A message being shared through our friends at the TPPA. Thank you Dennis.
Terry Hill, Director
PPAO
Fraudsters are trying to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties, and misinformation. These scammers are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cybercrime.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has updated its list of known COVID-19 related scams.
The CAFC, which works with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Competition Bureau, and Ontario Provincial Police, is urging Canadians to be vigilant as fraudsters look to exploit the crisis.
Here is the CAFC’s latest list of tricks that have been detected as of March 18th:
• Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or filters to protect from COVID-19 offering “special” air filters.
• Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies threatening to disconnect power for non-payment.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the World Health Organization (WHO) offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood.
• Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19 tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription.
• Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation.
• Government departments sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails tricking you into opening malicious attachments tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details.
• Financial advisers pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs.
• Door-to-door sales people selling household decontamination services.
• Private companies offering fake COVID-19 tests for sale.
I have also put together some links of interest for our clients and families to protect you from COVID-19 related scams and overall good secure computing:
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm
• WHO – Beware of criminals pretending to be WHO: https://www.who.int/about/communications/cyber-security
• How to spot phishing scams arising from COVID-19: https://cba.ca/covid-19-email-scam
• Canada – False and misleading claims: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html
• CISA – Defending against COVID-19 cyber scams: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2020/03/06/defending-against-covid-19-cyber-scams
• StaySafeOnline – COVID-19 Security Resource Library: https://staysafeonline.org/covid-19-security-resource-library/
• IT World Canada: https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/cyber-security-today-covid-19-scams-continue-heres-how-to-avoid-them/428588
• Global News: https://globalnews.ca/news/6686585/how-to-protect-yourself-against-phishing-and-malware-coronavirus-scams/
• 5 tips from homeland security to help you avoid COVID-19 scams: https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2020/03/08/5-tips-from-homeland-security-to-help-you-avoid-covid-19-scams/#3cf9c0487955
• NCSC issues guidance as home working increases in response to COVID-19: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/home-working-increases-in-response-to-covid-19
Posted in FYI, PPAO
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FYI – Sun Life response to Covid-19 and travel coverage
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For those of you traveling, below you will find a message provided by Sun Life outlining their position on Covid-19, including travel questions. Note the provided link for valuable travel information.
Be safe,
Terry Hill, Communications Director, PPAO
“Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not considered an exclusion on our Out of Country benefit. Sun Life will cover members who are affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 like any other medical emergency. The pandemic status is not an exclusion in our contracts and members will continue to be covered throughout the world under our Emergency Travel benefits, and we will adjudicate claims according to the coverage in their contract.”
You may want to share this Official Global Travel Advisory found on the Government of Canada website:https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
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COVID-19 Information Resource Website

HERE to the link
HERE is a link to a credible resource for those who may have questions about COVID-19 virus. It appears to update daily.
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Death of Retired NRPS Officer – (Cst) Phil Bridgman
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Phillip Bridgman announces his passing on Thursday, March 5th, 2020 at Guelph General Hospital at the age of 82.
Phil was born in Niagara Falls, ON on August 24th, 1937. After Phil retired from the *Niagara Regional Police in 1991, he and his wife, Marion, moved from St. Catharines, ON to Qualicum Beach, BC. Phil and Marion returned to Ontario in 2010, living in Fergus. He always had fond memories of his time in the Niagara area and in Qualicum Beach.
Phil had keen interests in woodworking, fishing, Power Squadron, reading and genealogy. He loved spending time with family, friends and his pets. He had a subtly dry sense of humour and enjoyed playing games and sharing a glass of scotch or a beer with people he cared about.
Beloved husband of Marion (nee, Liddiard). Loving father of Ann Louise (Jim) and Wayne (Cathi). Cherished papa of Aidan, Tyra, Tait and Kai. Dear brother of Dave (Sharon) and Ron-deceased (Betty). Devoted son of Lillian Maude Bridgman-deceased and Allan Henry Bridgman-deceased. Caring brother in law of Bernice (Dick) and Ken (Mary). Proud uncle of Cathy (Rich), Mark (Charlene), Stacey, Todd (Geeta), Lynn (Sammy), Sharon (Scott) and Janice (John).
Phil’s family would like to thank their friends and neighbours for all the support they have received over this difficult time. A celebration of Phil’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus. http://www.grahamgiddyfh.com
*Constable Bridgman commenced his career as a Police Constable with the City of St Catharines Police Force in 1961. He continued his career with the Niagara Regional Police Service after amalgamation in 1971. During his career he had various assignments of which included uniform patrol duties in St Catharines, CIB duties in St Catharines and Welland, and assignments to the Youth Bureau and Court Unit. After a 30 year career, Constable Bridgman retired from the Service in 1991.
Posted in Obituaries 2020
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Former Wainfleet Police Chief Colin Filson honoured for service
‘The smile on his face would have lit up the room,’ his daughter says….more
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Protected: FYI – email from PPAO – “Elections Canada is looking for candidates”
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Death of Active NRPS (Civilian) Member – Tara Simmons
It is with broken hearts that our family announces the passing of Tara Louise Simmons at Juravinski Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the age of 43. True love of Chris Kocis and beloved mom of Gracie and Grier. Loving daughter of Ray and Sue Simmons, treasured granddaughter of Evelyn Simmons (the late Cecil) and the late Cecelia & Walter Bainbridge. A special niece to her late Aunt Mimi. Dear sister of Andrew and cherished aunt of Zaria. Tara will be missed by her many aunts, uncles and cousins in England especially Mary, John, James (Cheryl), Joanne (Paul) and the little ones. Tara was adored by her loving circle of friends as well as coworkers at Niagara Regional Police where she proudly served as a Communicator for 19 years.
Visitation will be held at Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel, 39 Court Street St. Catharines (905-685-6584 ) on Saturday March 7, 2020 from 11 am until 1 pm. A celebration of Tara’s life will be held in the Chapel at 1pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Posted in Obituaries 2020
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FYI – For those who travel beware
“Police had no right to seize hidden bedside camera from Toronto Airbnb condo, judge says”…continued
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Death of Retired NRPS Officer (S/Sgt.) Nick Ross
Murdock N. (Nick) Ross – After a life well lived, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of Murdock (Nick) Ross on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Born in Glace Bay, NS in February 1926, Nick came to live in Niagara Falls in the early 1950’s. He had a great sense of humour, quick wit and was a very compassionate, caring person.
Murdock Ross, better known as Nick, was a widely known War Veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. He was also a retired Police Officer from the Niagara Regional Police having served for over 30 years (Staff Sergeant Ross retired from the Service in 1982). During World War II he served in Canada, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. He also served in the Korean War and was a member of the Advance Water Party, who were the first Canadians in that country to join with the United Nations. This service in the U.N. Force involved active service in South Korea and then North Korea. He also served in Japan where he was a member of staff at the Battlefield School.
Nick was very active in the Police Association and served as president and many other executive positions. He was a recognized expert in the field of bargaining arbitration and was chosen as Chairman of the Joint Bargaining Committee of the Niagara Regional Police Association in 1968. Nick was also active in the sphere of community affairs and was an originator of the Blossom Festival as well as founder of the Blossom Festival Parade – a popular event held in May during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Nick was the first captain of the Tug of War team as well as being the Chairman of that event. This was held on the Rainbow Bridge each year in May between Niagara Falls, New York police and Niagara Regional police and continues to this day.
In 1966, he became the co-chairman of the World Congress of Police Officers which was held in conjunction with Centennial events in 1967. He made numerous appearances in United States, where he was given the best speaker award at meetings of the Chiefs of Police Association. He also made many speaking engagements in Canada and the United Kingdom, where he addressed the British Federation at Scotland Yard.
Nick was predeceased by his wife, Eileen, his son, Alan and his daughter, Tina (Roy) Oldenburg. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his son, Christopher (Karen), his grandson, Aaron Oldenburg, his stepson Adam Prest (Christine) and their children, Ryan, Jenna and Brady. Nick was the eldest child of Daniel Murdock and Elsie Maude Ross. Eunice Warmington (Bob) of Toronto is his only surviving sibling.
Visitation will be held at MORSE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 5917 Main St, Niagara Falls, ON on Sunday, January 19 between 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Morse & Son on Monday, January 20 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Last Post Fund would be appreciated by the family. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at http://www.morseandson.com
Posted in Obituaries 2020
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