R Clay introduced Sgt. Kelly Mason:
 
  • Started my career in 1991 with Peterbourgh City police as a Special Constable in the courts
  • Hired by OPP in January 1995 and posted to Cobourg Detachment. (Northumberland OPP formed in 1998)
  • In 1999 became a member of the Northumberland Crime Unit, later assigned to the Kawartha Combined Drug Enforcement Section.
  • Oct 2002, transferred to OPP VIP Protection Services: Providing personal security for the Premier of Ontario, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Provincial Ministers, and other dignitaries while guests of Ontario. I also Assisted the RCMP with the provision of safety and security of Internationally Protected Persons while in Ontario, the Governor General and Prime Minister of Canada.
  • Returned to front line policing in late 2014 in Quinte West, was promoted to Sgt and transfered to Northumberland.  Have been aplatoon Sgt, Operations Sgt and A/S/Sgt for the detachment.
 
 
 
Sgt. Mason shared with us several Scam Buster videos made by the OPP to educate the public about various scams and how to avoid being taken in.
 
1. Grandparent Scam - they contact grandparents and tell them their grandchild has been arrested and needs bale money. They are very convincing and well organized. Sgt Mason says no one comes to your door to collect bale in cash. She advised people to ask what police station? what court house.
 
2. CRA scam. They never call you.
 
3. On-line Romance - the person loves you but you have never met, then they ask for money.
 
4. Over Payment Scam - you are selling something on-line and someone buys it but pays too much. They ask you to send over payment to them. But there cheque or money order will bounce. Do you due diligence.
 
5. Phishing Scam - typically an email that leads to you providing information. Seems authentic.
 
Sgt Kelly said if it looks too good to be true, it isn't. Buyer beware.
 
Some municipalities such as Quinte West have a by-law prohibiting door to door calls.
 
 
R Daniel thanked Sgt Kelly. After picture taken of hand shake, Sgt Kelly asked if we were going to photo shop a boat in the background.