Stay Scam-Smart
Book a guest speaker for your group and get expert advice on spotting and preventing scams and how AI has shifted this landscape again.
BOOK A PRESENTATION TODAY!
Stay ahead of today’s rapidly evolving scams with Outsmart the Scammer Fraud Prevention Society, founded by recently retired Saanich Police officer Berle Zwaan. With 30 years of policing experience—including work in Financial Crimes—and more than 200 workshops delivered across the South Island and Lower Mainland, Berle offers practical, engaging cyber self‑defence training for all ages. Participants learn how modern fraudsters exploit technology, including the rise of AI‑driven scams such as deepfake impersonations, voice cloning, and highly personalized phishing attempts. These sessions provide clear, actionable strategies to recognize, avoid, and respond to financial crime in an increasingly digital world. Learn more by emailing Berle. Ask about our specific programs which can be delivered in person or virtually.
Let’s work together to Outsmart the Scammer.
FRAUD COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
The best way to protect yourself is to stay alert and trust your instincts.
Nothing is so urgent in the Financial world that you have to act now! You always have time!
Keep in mind that fraudsters rely on these sneaky tactics to get you to play along:
Rewards and Hope
“You’ve won a prize!”
“This investment is a sure thing!”
“I love you!”
Scare Tactics
“You owe taxes.”
“You’re going to be arrested.”
“A family member is in trouble.”
Playing on Kindness
“Help us catch a bad employee.”
“Be a secret shopper for us.”
WHO IS OUTSMART THE SCAMMER?
Retired Cst. Berle Zwaan completed 30 years of policing with the Saanich Police Department. She has served in Traffic, Mountain Bikes, Administration, Patrol, and the Child Abuse Team. She recently retired from the the Community Engagement Division after several years in the Detective Division as a Financial Crimes Investigator. This is where she learned about the changing landscape of current financial crime trends and some of the skills she will pass on to you during her cyber self defence facilitated programs. She keeps current in fraud and scam trends with ongoing education and her extensive network of connections in policing, financial institutions, and community groups.
Focus on Fraud, Stopping the Scam - Five minute Overview version produced by Rogers tv
OUTSMART THE SCAMMER
Meet Retired Cst. Zwaan and get a small overview of what the presentation is about. Sessions are regularly updated and tailored specifically for individual groups.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE FROM FRAUD and SCAMS
Pause and take a breath. There’s no rush—slow things down.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Scammers love making big promises.
It’s okay to be blunt. Hang up, delete the message, or just ignore it. No need to be polite!
Take your time. Real opportunities won’t pressure you. Urgency is often exploited. That’s when people are often tricked.
Double-check with people you trust. Talk to your bank, a family member, or a friend before making any decisions.
Scammers impersonate trusted authorities all the time. Use a different method to check.
ADDITIONAL ANTI-FRAUD RESOURCES
There are numerous online resources to assist you with fraud awareness and prevention including:
SeniorsBC.ca – resources for seniors including elder abuse prevention
Competition Bureau - How to report fraud and scams in Canada
Get Cyber Safe – Government of Canada
Internet Crime Complaint Center (US-based)
Trans Union Credit Bureau - for a Fraud Alert on your file
Equifax Canada - see Request a Fraud Alert
CRTC - How to protect yourself from scammers, go to The National Do Not Call list (DNCL)
The White Hatter – The White Hatter Digital Literacy & Internet Safety
Resources and Handouts
Click on the blue button to download the latest handout from presentations
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Created with permission from Alan Perry who gets the credit for developing this password creation technique. See his website for more technology tips at Tech-Talk.ca as listed in Resources.
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Some of tips to remember to help you stay calm.
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Some easy and practical tips and steps to keep yourself, your devices, and information safer.
Testimonials from Community Members
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“I have had the most positive response from clients from your presentation than ANY other presentation we’ve done. So once again thank you!"
Bruce Cafferky - RBC Dominion Securities Inc - Cafferky Private Wealth
https://ca.rbcwealthmanagement.com/web/bruce.cafferky/our-team
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“When it comes to choosing a presenter on online fraud prevention, it's essential to find someone with both real-world experience and professional expertise. Berle is that person. She brings a strong investigative background in policing as a past fraud investigator, and pairs it with a unique ability to connect with her audience in a way that is enlightening, not frightening. If knowledge is power, Berle empowers her audience with the understanding and tools they need to prevent this crime from happening to them.” @thebarn32 GREAT resource #digitalliteracy #onlinesafety #seniors
Darren Laur | M.O.M , M.G.C., CCHT
The White Hatter
(He/Him)phone: 250-478-9119
email: contact@thewhitehatter.ca
site: www.thewhitehatter.ca
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"Fraud, scams and identity theft are a constant threat today and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Berle Zwaan of Outsmart the Scammer Fraud Prevention Society provides an excellent presentation with practical tips and up-to-date information on how to protect yourself and beat the fraudsters." Greater Victoria Police Victim Services has worked in partnership with Outsmart the Scammer Fraud Prevention Society to provide a number of presentations in our community through grant funding from the Victoria Foundation and Department of Justice Canada/Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2025.
Karyn French, Executive Director Greater Victoria Police Victim Services
Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/GVPVS
https://www.instagram.com/victim_services/
https://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaFoundation
https://www.instagram.com/victoriafoundation/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-victoria-foundation/
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“We were grateful to have Berle join us to deliver a highly informative and engaging presentation on cyber security, fraud prevention, scams, and identity theft. Her insights were incredibly valuable and tailored perfectly to help our clients understand the risks and how to protect themselves. It was clear that her expertise and practical examples made a lasting impact—our clients left feeling more empowered and prepared should they ever face such threats. Thank you, Berle, for helping to educate and safeguard our community."
O’Brien Wealth Management – CIBC Private Wealth
https://woodgundyadvisors.cibc.com/obrieninvestmentgroup/home
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" We recently asked Berle to present to our clients after a family member raved about her seminar they had watched on Vancouver Island. She was extremely pleasant to deal with as we navigated through the logistics of putting together a seminar that allowed in person as well as virtual attendance. The engagement with our clients was fantastic as the material was presented in a logical manner that was easily understood by everyone. The feedback we have received from our client base was 100% positive with many implementing changes to their approach to security the very same day. I can't thank Berle enough for her time in educating both our group as well as our clients, this is a real concern that will not be going away anytime soon. Thank you very much Berle, we look forward to working with you again"
Grant Bell - TD Wealth Advisors - Sea to Sky Wealth Management
