Happy March! While we’re all here enjoying the first signs of spring, there’s something else creeping around the corner that we need to watch out for – and no, it’s not just the last frost. March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a time when we shine a spotlight on the sneaky tactics fraudsters use to trick us out of our hard-earned money and personal information.
We know what you’re thinking. “I’m too savvy to fall for a scam.” And we believe you! But here’s the thing – fraudsters are evolving, getting smarter and more convincing by the day. Which is why digital fraud is surging in Canada with 60% of Canadians saying they were targeted by fraud last year, contributing to the record $567 million in fraud losses reported by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Top Scams in Canada
Listing all of the scams operating in Canada could take a while. But here are three of the top scams currently being used by fraudsters.
Emergency/grandparent scam
In this scam you receive a call or a text from someone claiming to be your relative or friend who is in urgent need of money. They may say they are in trouble with the law, have a medical emergency, or need to travel back home and need you to send them money right away, usually through a wire transfer service or a prepaid card. If this happens, hang up and call back on a known number. Be cautious if they rush you or ask for cash. Always verify before you act!
CRA-related scams
We spoke about these scams last month. But considering the CRA just came out with another warning, it’s worthwhile to revisit them. In the CRA scam, you may receive a call or text message saying that you owe money, that you are entitled to a larger refund, or that you need to verify your identity or bank account details. Don’t believe it! Even if the official CRA phone number is displayed, they will never contact you by phone or text. If you receive one these messages, you should report it your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, through their website or at 1-888-495-8501.
Tech support scam
This one is so popular now, it’s featured as a plot line in a recent action movie. If you ever get random call or email saying your computer’s got a virus and asking for money or access to fix it – don’t fall for it! Real companies don’t do that. If you’re worried your device is infected, check your security software or ask a trusted tech pro.
Of course, these are just a few of the scams you might run into. So, what can we do to protect ourselves?
- Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. The more you know about the latest scams, the less likely you are to become a victim. Keep up with the news and updates from reliable sources.
- Verify: If something seems off, it probably is. Always verify the information you’re given before taking any action.
- Protect Your Personal Information: Be cautious about who you share your personal information with. If you’re unsure, don’t share it.
- Report: If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
And if you ever need support in the case of identity theft or fraud, our trained agents are always here to help.
Remember, scams can happen to anyone. But with awareness and vigilance, we can all play a part in stopping them. Stay safe, and let’s make this Fraud Prevention Month count!
