The Sarnia Police Service held a series of public meetings in Sarnia, Ontario, this month to help residents learn how to spot and avoid common scams. As part of a national effort to stop fraud, officers met with the community to discuss how to protect seniors and families from financial schemes.
Community Engagement Officer Cst. McLean led the presentations to provide practical advice for identifying deceptive practices. These events were part of the 22nd annual Fraud Prevention Month, a national initiative that runs throughout March 2026.
The first session took place on March 5, 2026, at the Sarnia Library Theatre in partnership with the Lambton County Library. This talk required residents to register in advance, while a second session held on March 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall was open to everyone without an appointment.
According to the Consumers Council of Canada, fraud is often a hidden crime that goes unreported to the authorities. Experts estimate that only 5 to 10 per cent of victims actually contact the police after being targeted by a scam.
By hosting these sessions, local police hope to encourage more people to step forward and report suspicious activity. The talks focused on the most common tricks used to target vulnerable groups, ensuring residents have the tools they need to stay safe in their community.
