Scams are getting more convincing every year, and anyone can be targeted, whatever their age or how careful they are. The good news? A few simple habits stop most scams before they start.
1. Slow down when someone rushes you
Pressure is the number one warning sign. “Act now,” “your account will be closed,” “you’ll be arrested” or “don’t tell anyone” are all designed to stop you from thinking clearly. A real bank, business or government office will give you time to check.
2. Hang up and call back on a number you trust
If a call, text or email claims to be from your bank, a company or a government office, don’t use the phone number or link they give you. Look up the number yourself, on the back of your card, a statement or the official website, and call them directly.
3. Never pay with gift cards, crypto or wire transfers to strangers
Real organizations don’t ask you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer. Scammers love these because the money is fast and almost impossible to get back. If someone asks you to pay this way, it’s a scam.
4. Think twice before clicking links
Texts and emails about a missed delivery, an unpaid bill, a refund or a locked account are common tricks. Instead of tapping the link, open the company’s app or type its website address yourself to check.
5. Keep your codes and passwords to yourself
Never share a password, PIN or a one-time code sent to your phone, even if the caller says they’re from your bank. Those codes are there to protect you. Anyone asking for one is trying to get into your account.
6. Talk it over before you act
If something feels off, pause and talk to someone you trust: a friend, a family member or your bank. Scammers often say “keep this secret” because a second opinion is the fastest way to spot a scam.
⚠️ Think you’ve been scammed? Here’s what to do
- Call your bank or card company right away using the number on your card or statement.
- Report it to your local police, especially if you lost money. Keep any file number they give you.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online through its Fraud Reporting System.
- Keep everything: texts, emails, screenshots, receipts and phone numbers.
There’s no shame in being targeted. Scammers are professionals, and reporting helps protect your neighbours too.
Read more about common scams
- That Urgent “Emergency” Call Could Be a Scam: How to Spot It
- Is That Really the CRA Calling? How to Spot a Tax Scam
- Booking a Winter Rental? How to Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
Source: Competition Bureau Canada: How to report fraud and scams in Canada. This article is general information. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash.
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