Fraudsters in Saanich

Sometimes 'people' are not what they seem.

At Saanich Volunteer Services Society people sometimes ask us about requests for money from online sources. We advise that people should not respond to online requests for money. Even if the request seems honourable, tugs on your heart strings or claims its from someone you know, it is often fraudulent in these times. No request is as urgent as the fraudster would have you believe. Do not let someone influence you with their panic. Take a breath, shut down your computer correctly, and call a trusted friend or service professional to speak about the situation. If the online person continues to pester you, or if you have given them your personal information, report the matter to the Saanich Police non emergency line at (250) 475-4321.

The Saanich Police have a fraud department and their informative brochure is linked here:

https://saanichpolice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Be-Scammer-Savvy-One-Page.pdf

If you'd like to learn how to safely donate your money online, this website from the UK, produced by "infoSec360 Ltd, a specialist security consultancy based in Leeds in the UK" has some interesting and informative facts to review.

https://www.becybersafe.com/online/online-giving-security.html

Remember to always check the source, even when you find it here on our SVSS website.

Keep yourselves informed and safe online while you enjoy the wonders of our modern internet age.

Come one, come all! Drop in Programs at Saanich Volunteer Services Society

The frosty winter days can seem long. At SVSS we hope to give our Saanich community members something interesting to do. If you're available Wednesdays from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, we host a twice monthly (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) event where various speakers may attend at our office.

Call our office at 250-595-8008 for this month's schedule or just pop in to 1445 Ocean View Road for a cup of warmth on these cool, winter, Wednesday afternoons.

Antarctica, views from a Saanich traveler

For January 22 hear about Antarctica from a traveler who visited the frozen continent in late 2024.

Tax Season is here at Saanich Volunteer Services Society!

If you need help to file simple taxes, our Canada Revenue Agency trained Income Tax SVSS Volunteers can help. Click the button below for information. Please check your eligibility on the CRA website (link provided here) before making your appointment with us:

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/community-volunteer-income-tax-program/lend-a-hand-individuals/about.html

Tax Filing Information for 2025