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The Times Advocate, 2008-04-09, Page 12Crossroads 12 Times -Advocate Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Former Exeter man writes identity theft book By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Former Exeter resident and vice- president of `First Canadian Title,' Gary Ford can also add author to his list of accomplishments, co -writing the book "The Canadian Guide to Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Other Fraud," with Graham McWaters. Identity theft and other fraud is an epidemic in Canada, considered one of the fastest growing crimes in North America. "Canadians are very trusting people," says Ford, adding, "30,000 wallets or purses are stolen every month. Stealing wallets or purses is the low tech approach." Ford says one in six peo- ple in Canada will be affected by identity theft or fraud. But identity thefts come in many different capaci- ties, including mail theft, phony ads, an inside job, dumpster diving for infor- mation, shoulder surfing or eavesdropping, comput- er hacking, phishing and spoofing, spam, wireless communication and docu- ment theft. And while many people may be swindled through scams, Ford says to always remember, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Mortgage fraud is also too common, according to Ford, who says some criminals will actually take a second mortgage out on your house without your acknowledgement. "How would you like to come home one day and have someone else living in your home?" asks Ford. And this is also where Title Insurance becomes important, with Ford say- ing that everyone needs to have it on their home. Senior scams are also popular, with seniors "Having more money, being too polite and also wanting to talk on the phone (more often)," says Ford. "The Canadian Guide to Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Other Fraud" focuses on com- mon schemes, techniques and technology that crimi- nals use daily to commit identity theft and fraud. The book also offers tips on preventing identity theft and how to recover from identity theft. Topics in the book fea- ture: identity theft, debit and credit card fraud, credit reports, Internet and e-mail fraud, mort- gage and title fraud, tele- phone fraud and fraud against seniors. Ford says although there are many ways to steal a person's identity, "Your Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.) is the holy grail of identity theft. If they've got that, they've got you," adding, "Why would you carry it around anyway? When was the last time you used it?" asks Ford, advising to put your S.I.N. in a safety deposit box. "When they get your identity, they become you," says Ford. He also explains to never give out personal informa- tion over the telephone or Internet and never give out the last three security digits on the back of the credit card. And Ford reminds peo- ple that sometimes the person committing identity theft or fraud against you could be someone you know. Identity theft and fraud — Former Exeter man and vice-president of `First Canadian Title,' Gary Ford has just written a book,"The Canadian Guide to ProtectingYourself from Identity Theft and Other Fraud." Above left Ford holds the book with his sister and Lucan resident Shelia Hodgins. Ford will also be the guest speaker at the "Take Five" Ladies Day June 7 at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre, with proceeds supporting the new Lucan Museum project. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) "It could be the devil you know, or the devil you don't know," says Ford. Ford was born and raised in Exeter, attending both Exeter Public School and South Huron District High School. Ford then became a graduate of the University of Waterloo, receiving a degree in psy- chology. He has held a series of executive positions with a major financial institution, giving him 30 years of experience. Ford also speaks frequently to large groups, including major chartered banks, mort- gage brokers and other financial institutions. Soon Ford's second book, "Life is Sales," will be published. Ford is the guest speaker for the "Take Five" Ladies Day June 7 at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre, with proceeds sup- porting the new museum project. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the program starting at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at most businesses in Lucan or by contacting Sheila Hodgins at 227-1812. Copies of Ford's signed book will be available to buy at the event, or online at www.protecty- ourtitle.com Bottom line, says Ford: "Be very protective of your personal and private infor- mation." 16th annual BreakAway .held in Kirkton KIRKTON — "It has gone beyond expectations," says Margaret Hern, one of the organizers of the Ladies BreakAway, which saw the event take place for the 16th year in a row at the Kirkton- Woodham Community Centre on Saturday. Hern said the event, put on by the Zion West United Church, started in 1993 as a day for women in body, mind and spirit. Among the speakers on saturday was Jane Roy from London, who described her experiences in Sudan and how she came to adopt three children from the area. A free will offering collected $1,413.56 that will be donated to help those in Sudan. Over the years Hern said the event has had speakers and segments ranging from funeral plan- ning to exercise classes and what it is like for Muslim women in Canada. It has also had speakers on Jesse's Journey and safety issues for women in the home and in their cars. "We've tried to, if we can at all, try to use local gifted people," said Hern who adds that the day draws people from as far as Toronto, London and Chatham. Other topics covered on Sunday were container gardening as well as services offered by Town and Country Support Services. Hern said women keep coming back year after year because there is a variety of topics "and for one day they get to sit in fellowship with other women." As well as speakers and entertainment, there are also displays around the hall. "For the people we invite to come for displays, it's about offering them the opportunity to have contact within the commu- nity," said Hern. While the doors to the hall didn't open until 9 a.m., Hern said the first cars were in the parking lot at 8 a.m and a line had already formed. "When you open the door...they literally run for the best seats." Hern said another reason for the success of the day is the timing since people are tired of winter and look forward to getting out of the house. "We're willing to offer almost anything if we feel it's something they need to know." Live on stage — From left, Floyd Wills, Ken Nixon, Ron McRae and Ron Smith make up the `Agritones' who performed on Saturday as part of the entertainment for the 1 6th annual Ladies BreakAway at the Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre. (photo/Pat Bolen)