Spotlight feature:

Harold Casselman
Winnipeg, MB

“There's no bad day that can't be
overcome by listening to a barbershop
quartet; this is just truth, plain
and simple.” ~ Chuck Sigars

Where does someone at the age of 87 find the motivation and energy to sing regularly with the Good Neighbours Choristers, the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus, as Baritone with the Generations of Sound Quartet, with the Oakbank United Church Choir and then, volunteer at the Oakbank Dinner Theatre? Not to mention, travel to various Barbershop conventions and meetings? And then, drive a combine for a friend through harvest season, which he has been doing since 1992? And all this after having major heart surgery less than a year ago?

Ask Harold Casselman, as he is this 87-year-old who is young at heart, and soul, and busier than a bee. He also has family near and far that he is devoted to, and often travels by train to visit the distant one’s.

What seems to motivate Harold is his zest for life and his love of singing, especially the Barbershop style. Harold just received his 60 Year Member certificate from the Barbershop Harmony Society, a worldwide organization also known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. (SPEBSQSA), for his involvement and dedication within the Society and with the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen, the local chapter of the Society in the Land of the Lakes District.

There are many 60-year members but not all have been active in the organization for the duration of their membership. But, Harold has been active in it for all 60 of them. He even serves on the executive of the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen Chorus as VP Chapter Development, Leadership with Charities and is Section Leader for the Baritone Section on the Music Committee. The Winnipeg Chapter chartered in 1948 and had their first show on April 2, 1949.

But what is barbershop music? It’s described on the Barbershop Harmony Society website (www.barbershop.org) as, “Music in a very pure form created with nothing but human voices coming together to create a rich and satisfying texture that is pleasing to the ears and invigorating to the soul. Whether you're an experienced musician or a brand new musician, barbershop levels the playing field and allows you to find your voice and be a part of creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

There are even Harmony Universities and Colleges. Each of the Society’s 16 Districts offers weekend schools, seminars, workshops, and other educational programs. You can get more information from the Barbershop Harmony Society website on this topic and so much more.

The Barbershop Harmony Society is the first of several organizations to promote and preserve barbershop music as an art form. It was founded by Owen C. Cash in 1938 in Oklahoma, and promoted barbershop harmony among men of all ages. As of 2007, just under 30,000 men in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Europe and Canada are members of this organization. International headquarters moved to Nashville, Tennessee from Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2007.

A parallel women's singing organization, Sweet Adelines International (SAI), was founded in 1945.

The Land of Lakes District covers Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario in Canada, and North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin in the U.S.

Harold joined the Brandon Barbershop Chorus in 1950, near the community he hails from - Lauder, Manitoba. He grew up and worked on his parents’ farm until he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 until 1945. It was actually a hired hand on his parents’ farm in the 1920’s and 30's that inspired him to get involved in more music when the opportunity presented itself. He also taught Harold the basics of how to read music which is a benefit in any style of singing.

“You made your own fun in 1930’s,” says Harold. He sang duets with his sister, Eleanor, and joined the Lauder United Church choir at an early age. Eleanor was a member of the Regina Sweet Adelines Chapter for 27 years. Harold was the youngest of 11 siblings. He has four sisters left, ages 105, 100, 99 and 89.

In 1950, Harold started a lengthy career working in the Health Care field, firstly as a representative of the former Blue Cross plan. In 1960, he worked at the Riverdale Hospital in Rivers. He then moved to Winnipeg and worked for Manitoba Health Organization and then became the Administrator for East View Lodge in Neepawa in 1966. In 1975, he became the Administrative Assistant for the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg just outside the north perimeter on Main Street. He then worked for the Manitoba Development Corporation until he retired in 1990.

For sixty years, all through his working years, family and retirement life, to this day, Harold had habitually and eagerly attended weekly rehearsals with the Golden Chordsmen Chorus, currently under the musical direction of Sherrie Bredesen. It is quite a commitment as members are also expected to learn new songs on their own time as well. They compete at District conventions and perform various times throughout the year. Among the Chordsmen, are several quartet groups who perform independently for the public. Harold is proud of the quartet he is part of which is called “Generations of Sound,” due to the fact that two of their members, Brian Strong and Duncan Zaluski, who sing lead (melody) and tenor respectively, are much younger than the other two. Brian, being so young considers Harold to be, not only a great friend, but a mentor, as well. Charles Kiefling sings bass (lowest pitch), and Harold sings baritone (between tenor and bass). Harold had sung tenor in his early days of barbershopping. As Harold explained, with this combination of voices, you create chords like an instrument, and you can really do more than an instrument with the flexibility of the vocal chords all working in harmony to create the Barbershop sound. Generations of Sound began in September, 2008 and they generate sweet and tender melodies in classic Barbershop harmony, specializing in old-time a cappella favorites.

Generations of Sound quartet. L-R: Duncan Zaluski (tenor), Brian Strong (lead), Charles Kiefling (bass) and Harold Casselman (baritone).

They have performed locally on Breakfast Television, at the St. Norbert Farmer’s Market, and as a part of the annual Golden Chordsmen Christmas Serenade. They also sing at private birthday or anniversary functions, and take part in the Singing Valentine Program with the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen. This is where you can hire a quartet to go to your Valentine to sing some love songs and deliver a rose at workplaces, schools, restaurants and other locations around Winnipeg. It's generally quite affordable and people love it! This program will be in operation on Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 13th this year. Bookings can be made right up until noon February 11th, but they can usually squeeze people in last minute, even the same day, according to Brian Strong, the Golden Chordsmen Marketing VP. Details will be posted at www.goldenchordsmen.com soon. Check regularly for updates.

Harold recently performed with the "Tempo" quartet, as a tenor fill in, at the MSOS Senior Idol finals on November 18th, 2009 at Club Regent in Winnipeg. They had previously won the right to sing in the finals with Rob Smith as tenor, and other members of the quartet,
Ron (Peppie) Latourelle, Jim Gilroy and Ted Mikliechuck.

The Barbershop Harmony Society is striving to keep the art form alive. “We need more younger members,” says Harold, as many current members are getting up in age. It’s a great thing to be a part of, as there are many
benefits. Singing, for one, can be very healthy and therapeutic. It can brighten up the moods of everyone — those singing and listening. You make great friends and create beautiful music. You don’t need an instrument other than your own voice. If you like to sing and enjoy performing, why not give it a try?

Harold says he’s fortunate at his age to still be able to sing. He practices regularly and his singing voice is in top shape. “The more you sing, the better it gets,” says Harold. “You can’t stop practicing.” He says after singing for two hours, your stomach muscles should be sore, not your throat. He takes pleasure in making good sound and harmony, blending with other voices. He also enjoys listening to other performers.

Harold received the most prestigious award given by the Harmony Society in 1983 - the B.O.T.Y. (Barbershopper of the Year) award. And, Harold was very proud to receive the Dorothy Casselman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, named in his wife’s honour. She passed away in 2001, but some of her music books are still on their piano, and her memory will be in his heart forever.

Harold and Dorothy Casselman

Harold first met Dorothy in Rivers in 1951 at a Popularity Contest where Harold’s quartet "The Flat Happy Four" was performing at and Dorothy happened to be the winner. Dorothy came from a musical family. Her father played fiddle, her mother played piano and Dorothy sang. They would often entertain with her Dad's band called the "Hyram Hay Seeds". Dorothy lead several Church Choirs over the years and she also sang with the Good Neighbours Choristers. Incidentally, Harold was boarding at her aunt’s house in Brandon when they first met. With a little match-making by Dorothy’s aunt, the rest became history. It’s no wonder that they lived a life in harmony, both with a passion for music. They raised three beautiful daughters. Their oldest daughter, (Lynn), won the Toronto Conservatory of Music silver medal for her piano skills. Jewel is the Music teacher at a St. James school and Margaret Anne is an Interpreter for the Deaf at a Saskatoon school. There are four granddaughters, two grandsons, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter, as well.

One granddaughter, Amber, and her husband Joel, own and operate Oxford Salon & Spa, the hair salon of choice for the TV anchors at CTV-TV. Another granddaughter, Melanie, co-owns and operates the Park Theatre & Movie Café in Osborne Village in Winnipeg. The Park Theatre combines the best in live music acts, live theatre, comedy, movies, a gourmet café and DVD rentals, all in a beautifully preserved historic building, offering an alternative to many of the city's larger live music/theatre venues. (www.parktheatervideo.com). The other grandchildren are of school age.

His great-niece Raunora Westcott, who plays with the Thurston rink coached by her father, Ron, are heading to Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario at the end of January to compete in the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling competition. She and her teammates, Jill Thurston, Kristen Phillips and Leslie Wilson, recently won the Women’s title in Killarney in the provincial Scotties tournament. You go girls!

Harold may be 87 years of age, but you couldn’t call him old. There may be a good reason for his longevity, besides being in the genes, and it could be credited to singing. He also exercises at the Seven Oaks Wellness Institute and is computer savvy, too, covering his physical and mental exercise. Studies have linked singing with a lower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced stress and pain. Some music therapists use song to help patients suffering from a variety of psychological and physiological conditions. Singing, particularly in a chorus, seems to benefit the elderly particularly well, showing significant health improvements. So get singing. It could improve and prolong your life!

For bookings of the Generations of Sound quartet, or the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen Chorus, you can call Brian at 770-0224.

For information on joining the Chordsmen, call Harold at 667-4303. Visit: www.goldenchordsmen.com for more information.

The Chordsmen are hosting a Red Carpet/Northwest Division event on May 15, 2010.

And don’t miss their Annual show at Pantages Theatre on June 19, 2010. It will be based on 60’s music.

“Together, we hope to keep
the whole world singing!” ~ Brian Strong

(Read more in the Jan 25/2010 issue of Senior Scope)

Granddaughter/son Scam

I have investigated several complaints since the beginning of 2008 and have recently received complaints from American victims, one having paid out over $17,000 US. The pitch sounds something like this:

The suspect places a random phone call and if on the receiving end he hears an elderly voice, the scam begins.
Victim: "Hello."
Suspect: "Hi grandma/grandpa. It's me your grandson."
Victim: "Oh is this Michael?"
Suspect: "Yes grandpa, it's your
grandson Michael. Listen, I'm up in Canada and was arrested by the police for fishing without a licence. I need $3500 to get out of jail. Please send it to me asap and don't tell mom or dad as they'll be very angry."

The suspect then provides instructions for the victim to send money via Western Union or Moneygram. The scam is simple and effective at ripping people off. Victims are often targeting again and again until they figure out they've been scammed.

Another example reported to RCMP:

“A woman pretending to be our granddaughter called and said she was hurt in a car accident in Canada and needed money. She said she was ambulanced to the hospital and spent the night there with a broken nose. Her voice sounded exactly like our granddaughter Sandra. She said she didn't have her cell phone and made us promise not to contact her parents because they would be very upset.

The first call was Tuesday morning in which she asked for money to repair her car. We sent $2900 (plus $190 fee) via western union. She said we needed to send it to another name instead of her real name. We were also told to say she was our niece buying printing equipment on ebay because it was the only way the money would clear. Her excuse was that western union would think granddaughters in car accidents were likely swindlers and would not clear the money. She called back later that day apologetically requesting more money to repair the car saying the first amount was just for parts. We sent another $2900 (+$190) as instructed.

The next morning she called for more money to pay for nose surgery required as a result of the accident. We sent another $3400 (plus $215).

She called and needed money to get her friend Anna Cunningham out of the hospital because her parents were in Cuba and could not be reached. We sent another $2900 (plus $190). She called back that afternoon for money for a cargo flight home for seats and the car because the doctor said she was unable to drive. We sent another $3600 (plus $235). She called the next day and said she was misled and embarrassed at the ticket counter and now needs money for the seats as the prior money only covered the car. We sent another $2300 (plus $97 fee). At this point she said she doesn't want to contact her parents because they had a huge argument. We now start to question her authenticity and finally call her cellphone and learned we had been scammed.

Cst. Ben Doiron
Winnipeg RCMP
Commercial Crime Section

(Read more in the Jan 25/2010 issue of Senior Scope)

The Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre is holding its fourth annual Yellow Ribbon Gala on February 20, 2010

Military families are the strength behind the uniform. They ensure that life at home runs smoothly so their loved one can serve our country. The Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) supports military families in our community with a variety of programs and services designed to enrich the quality of life for those who share in the unique military lifestyle.

On February 20, 2010, the MFRC is holding its fourth annual Yellow Ribbon Gala at the Delta Winnipeg to raise funds for MFRC programs for children, youth and adults.

We are embracing the Olympic spirit, by having Lori-Ann Muenzer, the first Canadian to win Olympic gold in cycling for Canada, as our guest speaker.

Lori-Ann's experience presentation is straight from the heart about inspiration and discipline - those mighty attributes that can increase your potential and strengthen your spirit. Lori-Ann will take you on that success journey.

We are also excited to have Marie-Eve Tremblay as our Mistress of Ceremonies. Marie-Eve is a military spouse who moved to Winnipeg last summer. In her home province of Quebec, she is a renowned performer, having appeared in shows such as Cirque du Soleil's Alegria, and many other regional tours.

The musical highlights of the evening will include Winnipeg's own Air Command Band. The band is always a popular feature of the Gala, and feedback received each year is always glowing.

We are also delighted to have a drumline performance from RCSCC Qu'appelle, one of our local Sea Cadet Corps.

Tickets are $100 each, and a tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket price.

The Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre is a provincially incorporated, registered charity.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Gala, please visit www.yellowribbongala.ca or call Barbara Thuen, Gala chairperson at 833-2500 extension 4519.

For more information about the Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre, please visit www.mfrc.mb.ca.

(Read more in the Jan 25/2010 issue of Senior Scope)

William J. Thomas

My New Best Friend Beatrice Elubo

The older I get, the more people come to me with great money-making ideas. Now I have an internet pen pal by the name Beatrice Elubo. Beatrice is the widow of Chief Kenneth Elubo “a very wealthy coca merchant” in Africa’s Ivory Coast. Somehow Beatrice got my email address.

Beatrice has all this money from the inheritance, $8,500,000 (U.S.) to be exact, and she wants to share it with me. (Prattle on all you want about the internet being a virtual shopping mall for perverts and scam artists. Hey, I’m about to be rich!)

On his death bed, the Chief told his wife that the family fortune was in a bank in the capital, Abidjan. He told her she should seek out a foreign partner in a country of her choice in order to invest the money.

We have two winners! Me and a place called Canada!

“Wise investment,” said her husband, was necessary for the upbringing of their young son Jonnas.

“I am in sincere desire of your humble assistance,” Beatrice Elubo said in her email to me. Humble is not a word often thrown my way, but honey, you’ve come to the right place.

Beatrice ended her email with a series of questions:

1, “Can you help me for the retrievements of this fund from the bank here to your country, by transfer?” Beatrice, this must be like kismet or something. “Transfer” is my middle name. I am the illegitimate son of Lord Conrad Black, Baron Black of Crossharbour. My official title is Baron Black.of Cross The Atlantic. The name on my driver’s licence is W. Transfer Thomas.

2, “Can you make an arrangement for me to come over with my son Jonnas to your country and invest the money strictly on your advice?”
Air Canada, war bonds and Fort Erie Racetrack.. Consider it done. Trust me, Beatrice I will be there at the
airport when you and your fortune, sorry, when you and your fortunate little boy arrive.

3. “Can you honestly take us as members of your family and help to invest this money wisely?”
Beatrice—me casa es su casa. “Wisely?” “Wisely Beatrice?” I get stock tips from Martha Stewart. I know people who sell Ontario lottery tickets. (Wink. Wink.) I once got a cheque from my Chief for $1 million to upgrade my cricket club and I don’t even own a cricket club. I have “non-compete certificates” signed by David Radler. Beatrice, I’m on the bloody board of directors of Bre-X. Don’t crack “wisely” with me, Beatrice. Beatrice, there’s a very good reason why people around the world trust Canadians and by the time you get this, I will have come up with that reason.

4. “Can we completely trust you?”
Ah, umm, er . . . well, yeah sure.

5. “We are ready to offer you 15% of the $8,500,000. I hope this is acceptable to you?”
I will not accept a penny for helping you and your son relocate to Canada. Put the $8,500,000 cash in a tinfoil-lined green backpack and take it on board with you. We’ll switch it with my green backpack at Pearson Airport, in case you’re being followed. Should we get separated, my address here in Newfoundland is inside the backpack.

And Beatrice Elubo, I have a few questions for you.
Your husband, Chief Kenneth Elubo? Did he by any chance die of blunt force trauma to the head one day when you were in a pissy mood and returning from the cocoa fields with a pick axe in your hands? If we’re going to live together, I’d like to know the mechanism by which disputes are settled.

Will you and Jonnas be okay on the pullout couch in the TV room? I need the big bed for me and my dog, Jake. That’s the eating order of my tribe, by the way, first me, then you, then Jake and Jonnas flip for the leftovers.

Look Beatrice, I know this is a little sudden, but I don’t think marriage is out of the question once you arrive here in Canada.

I have included the address and phone number of one of the most reputable boarding schools in all of England for your son. Just recently they outlawed the use of metal rods when caning the kids at recess.

Just this morning I bought an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish to celebrate our new relationship. I will not have a Chiefess like yourself picked up at the airport by Niagara Air Bus.

Please don’t let me down, Beatrice. Remember the tinfoil thing, safe journey.

Sincerely, W. Transfer Wisely Thomas
w.transferwisely@thomas.com
____________________________

William Thomas is the author of nine books of humour including Margaret and Me about his wee Irish mother. www.williamthomas.ca

(Read more in the Jan 25/2010 issue of Senior Scope)

Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Abuse of Older Adults
Website: http://mnpaoa.ca/

The Manitoba Network for the Prevention of Abuse of Older Adults (MNPAOA) is a partnership of Manitoba-based organizations united to eradicate abuse of older Manitobans. The Network utilizes the expertise, skill, knowledge, and resolve of its partners to prevent abuse and to restore respect, dignity, independence and security to abused Manitobans. Their partners include:

- Aboriginal Seniors Resource Centre
- Active Living Coalition for Older Adults
- Assiniboine Credit Union
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
- Age and Opportunity
- Alzheimer Society of Manitoba
- Brandon Regional Health Authority
- Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre
- Long Term Care Association of Manitoba
- Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters
- Manitoba Bar Association
- Manitoba Gerontological Nurses Association
- Manitoba Metis Federation
- Manitoba Public Trustee
- Manitoba Society of Seniors
- Mental Health Services
- Misericordia Health Centre
- Partners Seeking Solutions With Seniors
- Protection for Persons in Care
- Public Trustee of Manitoba
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat
- Seniors Resource Network
- Veterans Affairs
- Winnipeg Police Service
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Regional networks are growing throughout Manitoba. The Manitoba Seniors Guide has a wide range of resources for older Manitobans including organizations serving seniors, community resource councils, senior centres, information on financial support, housing and health services. There is a wealth of information on other topics such as community living, resources for newcomers and safety and security.

WOMEN’S SHELTERS
Women’s shelters located throughout Manitoba provide short-term emergency shelter for women of all ages who are abused by their partners.

Provincial-wide Information/Crisis Line: 1-877-977-0007

MANITOBA FARM AND RURAL STRESS LINE
The Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line provides support, counselling, information and referrals over the phone to farm families and other rural Manitobans. Counsellors are trained to provide support, referral and ways of coping. They will assist a person to make changes the caller believes to be important and will link with community resources most appropriate to help them with their situation.

For more information, contact:
Toll-free within Manitoba:
1-866-367-3276
E-mail: help@ruralstress.mb.ca
Website: www.ruralstress.ca

SENIORS ABUSE LINE
The Seniors Abuse Line is a confidential information service aimed at providing seniors, family members, professionals, and others with a one-stop information resource on elder abuse. The abuse line staff provide information on community resources and support services that are available throughout Manitoba. An elder abuse consultant is also available to provide education and training, and to assist communities to ensure that services and supports are coordinated and available to abused older persons.
For more information, contact:

Phone: 945-1884
Toll-free: 1-888-896-7183

AGE & OPPORTUNITY
Age & Opportunity provides confidential consultation, assessment, and counseling services to seniors who are suspected victims of abuse experiencing emotional, physical, financial abuse or neglect. Assistance accessing crisis accommodations and legal services, including protection orders, is also provided. The Safe Suite Program provides temporary housing for men and women, 55 years or older who are in need of a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect and whose needs cannot be effectively met by existing abuse/crisis services. Abuse may be physical, emotional/ psychological, sexual, financial or neglect.

For further information:
Age & Opportunity
200 - 280 Smith Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1K2
Phone: 956-6440
Fax: 946-5667
E-mail: ovs@ageopportunity.mb.ca
Website: www.ageopportunity.mb.ca

CRISIS ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES
Adults with disabilities who have experienced abuse, or are at risk of abuse and whose abuse-related needs cannot be appropriately or effectively met by the protocols of existing crisis lines can be referred here.

Crisis Accommodation and Supports Crisis Line:
Phone: 788-8687

(Read more in the Jan 25/2010 issue of Senior Scope)

Online Fraud & Internet Scams

Anyone who uses the internet or email has most likely encountered some form of fraud or scam, even if they did not recognize it for what it was. Others have been made painfully aware they were involved in a fraud or scam after losing money or sensitive information to one.

Avoiding frauds and scams may seem a daunting task at first, but there are some simple, effective steps you can take to help prevent being the victim of a fraud or scam online.

The first thing to do is ensure you have your computer and email properly secured.

Many people use generic passwords to access their email accounts, such as ‘1234’ or, ‘password’. While this certainly takes the difficulty out of having to remember and enter a complicated password, it also leaves your email account extremely vulnerable to a hacker which can then use your contacts and email identity to their advantage for a fraud or scam.

Ensure your email password is difficult to guess. Adding a few numbers on the end of a word used for a password is also a good idea, as it adds extra security. For example, if your password is ‘redshoes’ adding a 93 to the end will increase it’s security significantly. If you are concerned about forgetting the password, write it out on a sticky-note and affix it to your computer monitor so you will have it handy if needed.

Having a proper antivirus program is essential for keeping your computer secure. Many viruses and malware will steal your information such as passwords, email contacts, banking information, etc. So, even if your email password is something no one could ever guess, it won’t do you much good if a virus is taking down that password and sending it off to someone anyway.

Unfortunately, most anti-virus and internet security programs marketed to consumers offer very poor protection, are difficult to use and will slow your computer down to the point where it is hardly working. It seems odd, but the companies that offer the worst programs are also the companies that are the most well known and, coincidentally, also the most expensive. Luckily, there are a number of excellent, easy to use, and free antivirus products available, if you know where to look.

The antivirus program we recommend and use on a regular basis is Avira. It is made by a European company and is quite popular in Europe. They offer a residential version for free, and it can be downloaded at www.Avira.com. The reason we use Avira over other programs is it has consistently offered better protection and detection capabilities than other antivirus programs, it is free and it also uses very little system resources so it does not slow down your computer.

The second way to avoid fraud and scams is simply to use caution when it comes to online correspondence. Even if you are receiving an email from an address that you know is your friend’s address, don’t provide them with passwords or monetary info until you have verified with them either in person or over the phone that the request they have sent you is legitimate. In the same way, when receiving emails from companies or people you do not know saying you have won contests or they want you to cash a money order for them, etc., don’t respond or provide information to them, either, as those are emails intended to draw you into scams or frauds, or steal information from you.

Additionally, beware of companies or organizations that you believe you know asking for your passwords or account information via email or online. For example, if MTS is your internet service provider, and you receive an email from a sender whose name appears as ‘MTS’ or ‘MTS Internet Service’ or something similar, and that email asks you for your passwords or billing information, call MTS to ensure the email is legitimate, as most companies or internet service providers will NEVER ask you for that information online or via email. Most scams and frauds are done by the scammer pretending to be a person or company that the individual they are scamming trusts, which is why it is important to be extra cautious, and verify through non-email or online means the legitimacy of the requests for information or money you receive.

Hopefully after reading this, avoiding online fraud and scams may not be as difficult as it might have seemed.

Timothy Barron
Winnipeg Computer Pros
(204) 885 - 2177
Info@WinnipegComputerPros.ca
www.WinnipegComputerPros.ca

(Read more in the Dec/09 issue of Senior Scope)