Supporting Seniors

Support for Seniors

At Credit Bureau Services Canada we are here to support seniors with their financial well-being and delinquent account related challenges.

If you would like to learn about tips and safeguards to protect yourself and your accounts as well as learn about everyday banking tools, we encourage you to click below for more helpful information.

Click here to find our commitment to the CBA Seniors Code.

How to make a payment on your account

You can pay your account through our website, by clicking here. Have your debt or account number on hand.

The time it takes for a payment to post to your account varies depending on the method of payment.

Acceptable online payment methods include:

• Online Banking
• Direct Deposit
• All Major Credit Cards
• Visa and MasterCard Debit
• paytickets.ca

Accessibility

CBSC offers a variety of accessible options to its customers.

Print Materials
Most account statements can be made available in both Braille and Large Print formats. Both formats are free of charge for any account and include the same information as a standard statement would, with the exception of legal and other disclosures. To ensure that our legal disclosure requirements are met, customers that request Braille or Large Print statements, will also receive a standard print statement in the mail.

To request, please call 1-800-263-4764 ext 0 (for reception) or contact us by email seniors@cbscanada.com.

Braille Statements
Braille Grade 1 and Grade 2 statements for some accounts are available by request.

To request, please call 1-800-263-4764 ext 0 (for reception) or contact us by email at seniors@cbscanada.com .

Large Print Statements
Large print statements are available for your account by request. Large print statements are printed in 18-point font size.

To request, please call 1-800-263-4764 ext 0 (for reception) or contact us by email at seniors@cbscanada.com.

Online Services
We are working to ensure our web-based platforms are designed to meet the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Telephone Services
Operator Assisted Calls
CBSC supports operator assisted calls with telephone relay services such as Bell Relay. This service involves communication by phone between hearing people and people who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, or those with speech disabilities. Professionally trained operators act as intermediaries to facilitate the call.

All telephone calls placed through the Bell Relay service are entirely confidential.

For instructions and information on how to to use Bell Relay service visit https://www.bell.ca/Accessibility_services/Bell_relay_service

Protect Yourself Against Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is any act involving the misuse of a person’s money or property without their full knowledge and consent. The abuser could be a stranger, but it could also be a family member, friend or neighbour.

Here are some common methods of financial abuse and some helpful tips to help prevent becoming a victim.

Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when a fraudster steals personal information from someone so they can pretend to be that person and then do things like apply for a credit card, take out a loan or mortgage, get a cell phone or withdraw bank funds. The fraudster will try to get information such as a bank card number and personal identity number (PIN), credit card number, health card number, driver's license and Social Insurance Number (SIN). Sometimes they will steal or copy the documents; sometimes all they need is the information. If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen and/or you believe your information may be compromised, or if mail you are expecting goes missing, contact your banking Customer Service Departments immediately for assistance.

Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud occurs when a fraudster uses your card, or a copy, to make purchases or withdraw money from your account. Keeping your card in sight, selecting a PIN that is easy to remember by you but hard to guess by others, memorizing your PIN, and shielding your hand when you enter your PIN are ways you can reduce the risk of your credit card or debit card information being stolen and misused.

Online Scams
New online scams appear all the time. In some instances, the fraudster will ask for your help; some will say that there is a problem with your bank account or tax return. Scam e-mails are often easy to spot because of spelling and other mistakes, but some can look like they are coming from a person or organization you know. If you are not sure about an e-mail for example, if it asks you respond with personal or financial information or to go to another Website and enter information there – call to check, and do not respond to the e-mail.

Romance Scams
In a romance scam, fraudsters create online profiles and pose as romance or companionship seekers to attract individuals looking for a relationship. The relationship is maintained through online communication and progresses with the victim developing an emotional attachment to the fake online persona. As the victim trusts the persona, the fraudster shares a fabricated story that leads to asking for financial assistance. Once the fraudster obtains the victim’s money, they will cut off all contact with the victim. If you aren’t completely sure who you are dealing with, do not give the person any money. Do not share your personal or financial information with anyone that you have met online.

Telephone and Door-to-Door Scams
Telephone and door-to-door scams are also very common. Someone will call or come to your door pretending to be a representative of a charity or government organization, an employee of a credit card company, or even a distant relative. You might be offered a free prize or trip. If you aren't completely sure who you are dealing with, do not give the person any money or information.

Grandparent Scam
Grandparent scams (also called grandchild scams) are common scams that target seniors. These scams usually involve a telephone call from someone who pretends to be your grandchild. If you get a call like this, be prepared: the scammer may already know your grandchild’s name and what your grandchild calls you (for example, a nickname like Nona or Grampy). Acting as your grandchild, the scammer claims to be in trouble and asks for your help. The scammer may try to convince you that your grandchild was in a car accident or has been arrested. You may be asked to wire money right away, without telling anyone. If you receive a call like this, do not wire the money or give the caller any further information. Hang up and call your grandchild, or another family member, to find out what’s really going on.

Tips and Safeguards
Protect your personal information
Don’t give account or card number information to anyone, whether in person, over the phone or online, unless you’re confident to do so.
Report thefts and losses immediately
If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, your banking Customer Service Departments immediately.

Shred or tear up your personal information
Safely dispose of old bills and statements that show your personal information (including credit card numbers) – shredding is best.
Review your account statements
Make sure that all transactions on your statement are genuine. For any suspicious transactions relating to your bank accounts or credit cards, contact your banking Customer Service Departments immediately.

Protect your card and account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
Your PIN and password are the keys to your accounts; make sure you choose a PIN or password that is easy to remember by you but hard to guess by others. Do not share your PINs or passwords with anyone. For added protection, try covering your hand when entering in your PIN number; this will prevent others from seeing it.

Protect your bank card & credit cards
Sign credit cards as soon as you receive them. Cancel inactive cards and don't lend your credit cards to anybody.

Visit your bank’s website for more information on fraud awareness and how to protect yourself.