How to spot a scam email, text or call

Scams are getting more convincing, and they target everyone. The good news is that almost all of them share a few tell-tale signs.

The biggest warning sign: pressure

Scammers want you to act before you think. Be very suspicious of any message or call that says you must act right now, keep it secret, or pay in an unusual way such as gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer.

Common scams in Canada

• “CRA” or “police” calls. Claims you owe taxes or face arrest. The CRA does not demand payment by gift card or threaten immediate arrest over the phone.
• The grandparent scam. A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, or a lawyer or police officer calling on their behalf, and asks for money urgently.
• Fake delivery texts. “Your parcel is on hold, click here to pay a small fee.”
• Bank or e-Transfer alerts. Messages that look like they’re from your bank, asking you to “verify” your account through a link.
• Computer pop-ups. A loud warning that your computer is infected, with a number to call. Real security software never asks you to phone anyone.

Quick checks before you do anything

• Don’t use the link or number in the message. Call your bank or the company using the number on your card or their official website.
• Look at the sender’s address. A “Canada Post” email from a random Gmail address isn’t Canada Post.
• Hang up and call back. If a family member is supposedly in trouble, call them directly, or another relative.
• Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you first.

If you think you’ve been caught

Don’t be embarrassed. It happens to careful, smart people every day. Act quickly:

• Call your bank right away if you shared card or banking details or sent money.
• Change the password on any account you logged into through a suspicious link.
• Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
• If someone had remote access to your computer, have it checked before using it for banking again.