Scams, Protect Yourself:
New scams pop up every day and some offers are too good to be true. How do you know if the person or the organization contacting you is who they say they are?
Overview
While we take extensive measures to secure your personal information, there are many steps you can take to safeguard yourself from fraud and identity theft. By staying informed and practicing good online habits, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud and identity theft.
Different types of fraud and scams. Recognize the signs and tactics of fraud and how you can protect yourself.
Identity theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud, such as opening a bank account or applying for credit in your name.
To protect yourself, be cautious whenever someone requests your personal information. Always think carefully before sharing any personal details online, including on social media platforms. Additionally, store important documents securely, such as your Social Insurance Number, birth certificate, and passport, to prevent unauthorized access and potential misuse.
Phishing, smishing, and vishing
Fraudulent emails, fake websites (phishing), SMS text messages (smishing), and phone calls (vishing) all aim to steal your personal information.
To protect yourself, be cautious with unsolicited emails or messages. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, texts, or on social media. Do not respond to unsolicited communications that seem suspicious. Additionally, make sure to use multi-factor authentication whenever it is available on your devices and online platforms to add an extra layer of security.
Investment scams / Romance and online scams
Investment Scams
Investment scams aim to defraud you by persuading you to invest in fake or misleading opportunities that often promise high returns with little risk. These scams frequently pressure you to make quick decisions.
To protect yourself, always research investment opportunities thoroughly before making any commitments. Be wary of unsolicited investment advice, even if it comes from someone you know.
Fraudsters may use romantic gestures to deceive you into giving money or revealing personal information. These scams can occur on dating websites as well as social media platforms.
Be cautious if someone professes strong feelings for you very quickly or avoids meeting in person. Additionally, be skeptical if you are asked for money or personal and financial information, especially if you haven’t met the person face-to-face.
How to report a scam
If you think that you might have been scammed, or detect a scam, you can report your experience to many organizations:
If you have received a call, email or text message that resulted in a loss of money, personal information or any other form of victimization, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
For any other unwanted calls, we encourage Canadians to file a complaint with the National Do Not Call List (DNCL).