Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington’s Distract Me Not! educational program helped older adults, seniors, and newcomers learn how to recognize scams and protect themselves from distraction crime, an issue that is becoming increasingly common in communities across Ontario. The workshop focused on helping seniors, particularly newcomer seniors, understand the tactics used by scammers and develop strategies to reduce their vulnerability. The session was so well attended that it exceeded the room’s intended capacity of 30 participants, making it the most attended workshop the organization has hosted!
Distraction crime is a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal something, usually valuables like a wallet. It’s a common tactic used by pickpockets, scam artists, and opportunistic thieves, often in public places. Participants in the program found the session informative, engaging, and easy to understand. Many shared positive feedback about how much they learned. They were especially appreciative of having interpretation services available, helping ensure that language was not a barrier to accessing important safety information.
Funding from a Community Grant 2025 supported the delivery of this community safety workshop, helping newcomers and older adults gain the knowledge and confidence needed to identify and respond to these kinds of scams. The organization expanded the session to include younger adults as well, recognizing that many help care for newcomer seniors at home. Participants left better informed and better equipped to protect themselves, their families, and their friends from fraud and distraction crime. Demand for the workshop exceeded expectations, reflecting growing community concern as stories of scams continue to circulate through news reports and social media. The program also strengthened partnerships with Crime Stoppers and Guelph Police Service, creating opportunities for community members to engage directly with trusted organizations and learn from experts with extensive knowledge of the subject.
Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington supports newcomers as they build successful and connected lives in the community. Through culturally responsive programs and language supports, the organization helps individuals and families access information, services, and opportunities that improve wellbeing and inclusion. Programs like Distract Me Not! address real and emerging community needs by ensuring newcomers can access critical information in a way that is understandable and relevant to their experiences. By offering interpretation and cultural support alongside educational programming, the organization helps remove barriers and create a welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable learning and asking questions.