A Yorkton organization originally started to mentor youth is now also helping seniors avoid fraud.

Community Skills has launched a campaign called Protecting our Seniors, which includes seminars on staying safe on the telephone. Maya Fransishyn, a volunteer with a background in policing corporate fraud was chosen to lead the seminar.

“It takes a whole community to be knowledgeable to ensure our community is not vulnerable,” Fransishyn said.

So far, she said, the seminar has been well-received. The next one is scheduled for February 5, 2 p.m. at the Legion Hall on Broadway Street.

Since beginning the program, Fransishyn has heard some sad stories of people being ripped off.  

One scam involves winning a “free” vacation, only the recipient ends up having to pay $600 to claim the phony prize. In another, the mark is asked to pay to adopt a puppy and receives a stuffed animal toy instead.

Then there is the classic in which an offer of a lower interest rate credit card is made. Of course, the con artist needs the person’s existing credit card number in order to complete the transaction.

The February 5 seminar is free to attend. Topics covered will include how to recognize a phony lottery from a real one.