Providing students with the tools they need to protect themselves is a priority for Mac’s Money Centre, especially since students and recent graduates are often considered to be a target. From leaving laptops unmonitored in the library to using free public Wi-Fi while accessing personal information or applying for a job posting on classified websites like Indeed or Workopolis, there are many everyday tasks that can put a person at risk. 

As recent events have shown, international students have become a notable target for fraud, with scammers applying pressure and scare-tactics on international students to share their information; scare tactics include the threat of deportation, arrest, and passport status. In these cases, international students are encouraged to remember that immigration will not get in contact through phone or door-to-door, and will not require immediate funds.

For Mac’s Money Centre, Fraud Awareness Month is an opportunity to empower students to develop a stronger awareness of fraud schemes so that they can confidently identify and handle potential scams. On Monday, March 19, 2018, Mac’s Money Centre will welcome the Hamilton Police for a presentation, where students can attend to learn and ask questions; food and refreshments will be provided.

One of the key takeaways from this presentation will be the power of awareness and confidence. Many fraud schemes involve creating a sense of urgency and awareness; for students who are uncertain about situations that have higher financial stakes or that involve sharing personal information, it is recommended that they take a moment to reflect, examine the situation, and seek advice before making a decision.

“There is sometimes a fine line between outright fraud and scams; but, they’re in the same category. Scams such as free products and giveaways can sometimes be just as financially risky,” says Gina Robinson, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Student Success Centre. “If it’s too good to be true, it likely isn’t true. Have confidence and go with your gut when things don’t feel right. Report when you come across a situation so that scammers know you’re onto them.”

In a potential fraud situation, students or members of the McMaster community on-campus should get in contact with McMaster Security (dial 88 on any on-campus phone); members of the Hamilton community, including students living in the Westdale area, should get in contact with the Hamilton Police.

To attend the Fraud Awareness Month presentation, students can register on OSCARplus.

To learn more about Mac’s Money Centre, visit the website.

Original Article Link: Daily News

Challenges, no matter how big or small, are best faced head-on. This is the message Jackie Cruz will deliver to students Nov. 17.

Cruz, best known for her role as Marisol “Flaca” Gonzales on Netflix’s number-one rated series Orange is the New Black, will be on campus recounting stories about struggle and determination in order to achieve dreams, no matter how ambitious.

When she was still a teenager, Cruz moved out of her mother’s apartment and slept on friends’ couches for six months. When she was 17, not long after leaving home, she was the victim of a near-fatal car accident that collapsed one of her lungs and left her in a three-day coma. Without a doubt, it was the lowest point in her life.

Twelve years later — following short-term stints as a model, singer, waitress and reality TV bit player — she’s become one of the most recognizable faces on Netflix.

“Inviting Jackie to McMaster was an easy decision for us. Her perseverance and determination is an admirable quality,” says Joey Duong, marketing and outreach intern with the Student Success Centre.

“She delivers a message that will resonate with students and hopefully provide some motivation and momentum for students as they work towards the final few weeks of first semester.”

Presented by Mac’s Money Centre, the event takes place in conjunction with Financial Literacy Month — a Canada-wide initiative now in its fifth year. Financial Literacy Month was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2012.

This year’s theme of “Count Me In, Canada” aims to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy in order to strengthen an individual’s financial well-being. Understanding the basics of money is as essential today as numeracy and literacy.

“Cruz’s presentation fits in well with this year’s theme,”  says Gina Robinson, director of the Student Success Centre and assistant dean of Student Affairs.

“Hearing an inspiring story, students will gain confidence not only when making life decisions but also in financial matters.”

A Twitter contest will select five winners who will get front row seating at the event plus a meet-and-greet pass with Jackie Cruz at the end of the event.

To enter, participants must follow @MacsMoneyCentre and tweet using the hashtag #mactalksmoney answering the question: What is the best financial advice you have received?

Selected winners can invite one friend to join them in the experience.

The event will take place in Room 147 of Burke Science Building (BSB). Doors are at 7:15 p.m. and OITNB themed food will be available as well as a photo booth.

The talk will begin at 8 p.m. Registration on OSCARplusmcmaster.ca is required in order to attend the event.

Entrepreneurs Kevin Cochran and Bruce Croxon, also a former Dragon’s Den dragon, will share their secrets to success at the Marauder’s Den, a free event at TwelveEighty on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Students will also learn about Spectrum, a Student Entrepreneurship Centre, at the event.

The evening is part of Dollar Daze, a Fall Learning and Orientation Week focused on money management. The week of Oct 6 to 10 will be packed with a variety of Dollar Daze sessions such as Stretching Your Money, My Financial Game Plan, Credit Craze and The Money Games. There will be prizes and giveaways throughout the week.

The Marauder’s Den also marks the launch of Enriched Start at McMaster, a financial program founded by Cochran that is geared to university and college students. The program includes entertaining videos and modules about money myths, credit, budgeting and personal goal setting.

“The program gives students the skills and confidence to make good financial decisions and helps relieves stress,” says Gina Robinson, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and director of the Student Success Centre.“Financial wellness is really part of the student experience.”

At McMaster, Enriched Start is part of a larger initiative to educate and inform students about money and get them talking about it, says Robinson. The Mac Money Centre website will go live in November and is supported by many university and community partners.

Students seeking basic financial information or advice or those who want to know how to build a successful business are encouraged to attend the Marauder’s Den and register for Dollar Daze sessions on OSCARplus.

Registration is not required for the Marauder’s Den but seating is limited so arrive early. Doors open at 5 p.m. for networking, food and drink.

Marauder’s Den is sponsored by the Student Success Centre, McMaster Students Union (MSU) and the Student Life Enhancement Fund and Spectrum, Student Entrepreneurship Centre.