Identifying a Scam or Fraud

Scams are deceptive tactics used to coerce people into giving up money, and/or personal or financial information. Scammers frequently exploit information they have collected about you to deceive you into giving them further personal and financial information. Phishing scams occur when someone poses as a person or business you are familiar with.

Signs of a Scam

Keep yourself safe from a scam by looking out for these common signs:

  • Pressure to make a quick decision either on the spot or overnight, often accompanied by a threat if you don’t comply.
  • Requests to keep matters confidential and not to share details with family, friends or local authorities.
  • Urgent messages demanding you contact the sender immediately.
  • Being asked to provide money in unusual formats such as gift cards, bit coin, and prepaid credit cards.
  • Emails from unknown senders with a link or attachment.
  • Emails or phone calls that request financial information such as your credit card number, bank account information or personal identification number (PIN).
  • Email or phone calls that request personal information such as your social insurance number (SIN), date of birth or security answers.

Keeping Yourself Safe from Scams

Keep yourself safe from scams by:

  • Ignoring emails from unknown senders and blocking the sender so they are unable to email you.
  • Don’t open any attachments or click on any links sent by unknown senders.
  • Beware of upfront fees.
  • Look for clues that the email or website is secure. Legitimate websites that ask you to enter confidential information are encrypted to protect your details. You can identify a secure site by:
    • Address that starts with https (rather than http)
    • Closed padlock or unbroken key symbol on the webpage
  • Avoid sending sensitive information via email or text
  • Never provide your personal information, credit card information or online account details if you receive a call claiming to be from your bank or other institution.  Call them back using the number on the back of your card to determine if there is a legitimate reason for the call.

When In Doubt…PAUSE

Follow these rules before opening or clicking on suspicious emails, texts or links:

  • P – Pause
  • A – Ask for a second opinion
  • U – Use common sense
  • S – Search for clues
  • E – Exit

Popular Scams

Grandparent Scam

The scammer pretends to be your grandchild. They ask you to send money or provide information because they are in some type of emergency situation (stuck on the side of the road, travelling, they are hurt).

Romance Scam

The scammer pretends to be romantically interested in you. Once they’ve gained your trust via text, email or phone calls, they ask you to send money or divulge personal information that they can use to steal from you.

Phishing

The scammer sends a fake email, text or phone message that seems as if it’s from someone you know or a financial institution or business.  The message asks you to divulge personal information and often contains some sort of pressure tactic designed to make you respond quickly (i.e. your account will be frozen, you’ll have to pay a fine).

Identity Theft

The scammer accesses your personal and/or financial information and uses it to apply for fake credit cards, loans or to make fraudulent purchases. 

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