Julie Matthews Consulting

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Julie Matthews Consulting Fraud prevention educator helping seniors, communities, and organizations protect themselves from scams. Workshops • Webinars • Keynotes • Media Commentary

Trusted speaker delivering practical, real-world strategies across Canada.

I’m so excited to bring The Unbreaking Project: Kate’s Hug...to Canada.For years, much of my work has focused on prevent...
09/04/2026

I’m so excited to bring The Unbreaking Project: Kate’s Hug...to Canada.

For years, much of my work has focused on preventing fraud. But we also need to talk about what happens after someone has been scammed.

Romance scam victims lose far more than money. They can grieve the person they thought they loved, the future they believed they had, and their trust in other people, and sometimes themselves.

The Unbreaking Project recognizes that recovery matters too.

Through the project, Hug Kits are given to romance scam survivors, with a handmade blanket at the heart of each one. It’s something tangible that says: You are not alone.

I’m incredibly proud to bring this initiative to Canada, where our goal is to place Hug Kits with Canadian law enforcement to give directly to romance scam survivors.

Now we need your help.

Knitters, crocheters, donors, law enforcement, victim services, businesses and communities can all become involved.

Sometimes fighting fraud means trying to stop the scam.

And sometimes it means being there for someone after it happens. 💛
Please reach out!

📧 [email protected]

A huge thank to to Kathy, John and Kate for believing in me!

08/05/2026

Booking now for fall and winter 2026! Do you know a community, club or business that needs a unique and engaging presentation on the latest scams? It's unlike any fraud talk you have seen before. Reach out for more info. I would love to visit you! www.juliematthews.ca

Behind every business is a person with an idea, a purpose, and a whole lot of hard work.That's why branding isn't about ...
06/26/2026

Behind every business is a person with an idea, a purpose, and a whole lot of hard work.

That's why branding isn't about having perfect photos, it's about creating a genuine connection before you ever shake someone's hand. About being true to yourself, being authentic and finding what makes you....YOU.

Thank you Christina Louise Branding for capturing this next chapter of my business so beautifully. These are all very "me".

As entrepreneurs, we spend so much time serving others that we sometimes forget to invest in ourselves. Whether it's learning a new skill, refreshing your brand, or trying something creative, growth comes from continuing to show up and evolve.

Here's to the next chapter and to never being afraid to let people see the person behind the business.

Fraud prevention talks that matter! I love what I do. Thanks to Easter Seals Alberta for inviting me to speak with its c...
06/24/2026

Fraud prevention talks that matter! I love what I do. Thanks to Easter Seals Alberta for inviting me to speak with its clients.

The scammer's goal isn't to convince you they're the government or an agency they trust. Their goal is to make you afrai...
06/07/2026

The scammer's goal isn't to convince you they're the government or an agency they trust.
Their goal is to make you afraid.

Threats about:
✔ Arrest
✔ Taxes owed
✔ Frozen accounts
✔ Legal action
are designed to trigger panic.

Fear is one of the most powerful manipulation tools fraudsters use. But they may also use excitement, telling you qualified for a new benefit, or receive a larger than expected tax refund.

Slow down and independently verify any demand for money or promise of money.

Have you talked to your parents about government impersonation scams lately?
Many older adults grew up trusting authority figures and scammers know this.

Help your loved ones remember:
No legitimate agency wants payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If you are being asked to pay for something with gift cards or buy gift cards it is always a scam.

The best fraud prevention tool isn't technology.
It's conversation.

Every scam we've discussed this week relied on manipulation:
• Fear
• Trust
• Urgency
• Isolation
• Excitement

When people understand these tactics, they become much harder to deceive.

If your organization, seniors' group, club, or community would like a fraud prevention presentation, visit: juliematthews.ca

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But that warning is not good enough anymore.Investment scammers often p...
06/06/2026

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. But that warning is not good enough anymore.

Investment scammers often promise:
✔ Guaranteed returns
✔ Little or no risk
✔ Fast profits

Cryptocurrency scams especially are everywhere! You will not get your money back!

Their manipulation tactic?
Greed mixed with urgency.
They pressure victims to act before "the opportunity disappears."
Legitimate investments do not require immediate decisions.

Children and grandchildren: pay attention if an older loved one suddenly starts talking about a "sure thing" investment. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media and online ads.

Ask questions.
Stay curious.
Offer to review opportunities together.

Please know how convincing these scammers can be. AI images and videos help with that. They will pretend to be popular politicians or celebrities telling to invest in something and telling you it is 100% safe. It is not.

Visit https://zurl.co/9oNl6 for more resources

Romance scams aren't about love. They're about trust.Fraudsters spend weeks or months building relationships before aski...
06/05/2026

Romance scams aren't about love. They're about trust.

Fraudsters spend weeks or months building relationships before asking for money.

They learn:
✔ Your interests
✔ Your routines
✔ Your vulnerabilities

Then they create emotional dependency.
The manipulation is often so sophisticated that victims continue believing the relationship even after warnings from family and friends. I know of victims who have hung up on bank staff or police officers trying to warn them as well.

Fraudsters are professional manipulators.

What if your friend, parent or grandparent suddenly has a new online relationship?
Don't immediately criticize or judge.

Romance scam victims often become defensive because the scammer has built so much trust. The scammer is actively working to isolate the victim from their family. "Your family just wants your money." "Your family doesn't love you like I do."

Instead:
✔ Ask questions
✔ Stay supportive
✔ Discuss warning signs
✔ Encourage independent verification

Shame pushes victims closer to scammers.
Support helps bring them back.

More resources at juliematthews.ca

05/05/2026

🚨 Protect Yourself from Fraud & Scams! 🚨

Julie Matthews is coming to Pembina Place for a free presentation on how to protect yourself from frauds and scams on Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 PM. Learn how to recognize the red flags and stay safe!

See poster for more details!

📞 Call the Community Services Office to register today!

05/05/2026

Good morning, and welcome to inconsistent weather and the latest from Redwater COP. Last night Sophie, Jan and I visited the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch group as they hosted their Annual General Meeting and provided great SCAM BUSTER tips. The rural crime watch program has been active for many years both in Sturgeon and Thorhild Counties. The evening's program began with a great presentation by Julie Matthews Consumer Protection Expert & Fraud Prevention Educator. The stories and tips that Julie provided to the audience were eye opening and certainly made one think twice about email attachments, unsolicited phone calls, Bit Coin/Crypto, gift cards and AI. Overall a great opportunity to meet another support group and their members, to learn valuable information and to hear about different programs and actions this active group is undertaking.
A special event during their AGM was the awarding of the Fred Scharmann award to Suzie and Dan Derouin for "Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Program." What was so special about this award was that many years ago, when I was a very young Mountie, Suzie was a strong supporter of the Rural Crime Watch program running out of the Redwater Detachment. Over the years her support included President, Vice President, Secretary and when Victim Services came along Suzie was there to support that. Congratulations to a very deserving couple.
Last month our group provided almost 50 hours of volunteer service for the COP group and Redwater. This included over 125 kms of patrols and a number of local events. President Henry and Vice President Jan attended the Town Council meeting on February 24th to provide assistance to the RCMP and the Council for establishing policing priorities in 2026/2027. Overall a busy month with a busier March ahead of us.

04/30/2026

Ticketmaster pulling resale tickets in Ontario. 👀🎟️

Ticketmaster has started removing resale tickets for Ontario events to comply with a new law that caps resale prices at face value. The rule comes after years of complaints about ticket scalping for major events like Taylor Swift and the World Series. Resales are expected to return once the platform updates its system to match the new rules. Notably, even 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto will be subject to the cap.

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