Shaanxi Association of Canada’s Anti-Telecom Fraud Exhibition at the 2024 Mid-Autumn Food Carnival

The 2024 Mid-Autumn Food Carnival, a grand festival celebrating traditional Chinese culture and cuisine, took place from September 13 at 2 PM to September 15 at 7 PM at Woodside Square Mall (1571 Sandhurst Cir, Scarborough, Toronto). Organized by seven major Chinese community organizations, including the Council of Newcomer Organizations and the Shaanxi Association of Canada, the event attracted tens of thousands of attendees from across the Greater Toronto Area. Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of traditional foods, cultural performances, and interactive activities, creating a festive atmosphere that brought the community together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Amid the vibrant celebrations, the Shaanxi Association of Canada hosted a special Anti-Telecom Fraud Exhibition, aiming to raise awareness about the increasing risks of online and phone scams, particularly targeting seniors and newcomers. In recent years, financial fraud has become a growing concern within the Chinese community in Canada, with many individuals falling victim to sophisticated scams. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the association set up an informative and engaging display to educate the public on common fraud tactics and preventive measures.

The exhibition featured a series of informative posters and real-life case studies, illustrating different types of scams, including fake immigration calls, investment fraud, and identity theft. Volunteers were present at the booth to answer questions, share personal experiences, and distribute educational brochures in both English and Chinese. The interactive format encouraged visitors to engage with the content, enhancing their understanding of fraud prevention strategies.

Throughout the event, thousands of visitors stopped by the exhibition, many of whom were eager to learn how to protect themselves and their families from scams. Several attendees expressed gratitude for the valuable information, with some sharing their own experiences of nearly being deceived. The overwhelming interest and positive feedback reinforced the importance of such community-driven initiatives.

By leveraging the large-scale gathering of the Mid-Autumn Food Carnival, the Shaanxi Association of Canada successfully expanded its outreach and strengthened its mission of protecting the community through education and awareness. This event marked a significant step in fostering a safer environment for Chinese Canadians, ensuring that they remain informed and vigilant against fraudulent activities.

The association remains committed to hosting similar awareness campaigns in the future, continuing to empower the community with the knowledge and resources needed to combat fraud.