After all, who would send money to a stranger? Who would give out personal information over the phone? Who would believe an email promising an unexpected inheritance or a text claiming to be from the bank?
The truth is, today’s scams rarely begin with outrageous claims. They begin with something much more powerful: trust. Scammers have become remarkably sophisticated. They study human behaviour. They know how to create urgency, impersonate trusted organizations, and use technology-including artificial intelligence—to make fraudulent phone calls, emails, and messages appear convincing. Increasingly, they don’t just target our bank accounts-they target our emotions.
For families navigating the loss of a loved one, those emotions can be especially vulnerable. There are decisions to make, paperwork to complete, accounts to close, and unfamiliar conversations with financial institutions, government agencies, and service providers. It can be difficult to know who is legitimate, what information should be shared, and when it’s appropriate to pause and ask questions.
At Park Memorial, we’ve long believed that caring for families extends beyond the funeral service itself. It means helping people feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate everything that follows. That’s why this October, we’re proud to welcome fraud prevention expert Julie Matthews for a community education evening focused on recognizing scams, protecting personal information, and making informed decisions in an increasingly digital world. Estate planning professional Megan Koper will also be in attendance and available for questions following the presentation, offering additional insight for those seeking guidance.
We’re proud to present this event in partnership with CardVault, our Official Educational Resource Partner. As a Canadian technology company dedicated to helping businesses better protect sensitive payment information,
CardVault believes that education is one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud before it happens. Their support helps make this community awareness event possible and reflects a shared commitment to protecting individuals, families, and businesses alike.
Those who attend can expect a practical, approachable evening designed to build confidence—not fear. Julie will walk through real-world examples of common scams, explain how they work, and share clear steps to recognize warning signs before it’s too late. There will also be time for questions, giving guests the opportunity to address concerns specific to their own situations.
Our goal isn’t to leave people feeling afraid; it’s to leave them feeling prepared. Perhaps the most powerful tool any of us has against fraud isn’t technology-it’s permission to slow down. To verify. To ask another question. To make one more phone call before making an important decision.
Fraud succeeds when it creates urgency. Confidence grows when we create space to think. If this conversation could benefit you, a parent, a neighbour, or someone you care about, we invite you to join us for this community awareness event.
Sometimes the best way to protect what matters most begins with a conversation.
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