Q: Mobile Phone Scams

What to Look For: Scammers send fake texts, offer “free” ringtones, or call and hang up so you’ll return the call (to a premium-rate number). Sometimes, they’ll try to trick you into subscribing to expensive services without realizing it. How to Protect Yourself: Ignore texts or missed calls from unknown numbers. Read the fine print before subscribing to services. Block and report suspicious numbers.

Q: Money Transfer Scams

What to Look For: Someone asks you to transfer money for them—maybe for an inheritance, to claim a reward, or as part of a “job.” They’ll ask for fees upfront or provide fake cheques that will bounce after you’ve sent the money. How to Protect Yourself: Never agree to transfer money for someone you don’t know. Ignore emails or messages about unexpected inheritances or winnings. Verify payment methods before depositing or spending money.

Q: Moving Scams

What to Look For: Rogue movers offer low quotes, then hold your belongings hostage for more money. Others might damage or steal your items and disappear. How to Protect Yourself: Research movers and check reviews before hiring. Get a written estimate and understand the terms. Avoid paying in full before the move is completed.

Q: Online Marketplace Scams

What to Look For: Sellers demand payment upfront and never deliver the product, or buyers use fake payment methods for items they pick up. How to Protect Yourself: Use secure payment methods (e.g., PayPal’s goods and services option). Meet in public places for exchanges. Avoid transactions that feel rushed or pressured.

Q: Pyramid Schemes

What to Look For: These scams promise big profits for recruiting others, not from selling actual products or services. They’re often disguised as “business opportunities” and may even involve people you know. Eventually, they collapse, leaving most participants at a loss. How to Protect Yourself: Be cautious if the focus is on recruitment, not sales. Research any opportunity independently. Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics.

Q: Rental Scams

What to Look For: Scammers post fake rental ads or impersonate landlords, asking for deposits or personal information upfront. You might be asked to wire money without seeing the property. How to Protect Yourself: Always visit a rental property in person before signing or paying. Don’t send money or provide personal info before verifying the landlord’s identity. Research market prices; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Q: Service Scams

What to Look For: Scammers pretend to offer lower rates on services like antivirus software, credit cards, or utilities. They often ask for payment upfront or personal details to secure the “deal.” How to Protect Yourself: Only trust offers directly from your service provider. Avoid giving payment info over the phone unless you initiated the call. Hang up on unsolicited calls about “special deals” or limited-time offers.

Q: Sextortion Scams

What to Look For: Scammers claim to have compromising photos or videos of you and threaten to share them with your contacts unless you pay. Sometimes, they’ve hacked your accounts or used phishing to get personal information, but often, they’re bluffing and have nothing. How to Protect Yourself: Never send money; it encourages further threats. Avoid sharing intimate content online, even with trusted individuals. Update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Report the scam to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you are worried a nude of you under the age of 18 is being shared online, NeedHelpNow.ca can help. There are steps you can take to regain control, and people to support you.

Q: SIM Card Swap Fraud

What to Look For: Fraudsters convince your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card, giving them access to your accounts (especially if you use SMS for two-factor authentication). How to Protect Yourself: Use app-based two-factor authentication instead of SMS. Set a PIN or passcode with your carrier. Monitor your phone for sudden loss of service.

Q: Small Business Scams

What to Look For: Scammers send fake invoices, pretend to be your regular supplier, or offer bogus advertising opportunities. They might also target your domain registration with fake renewal notices. How to Protect Yourself: Check invoices and orders carefully before paying. Train staff to recognize suspicious calls or emails. Verify domain renewals directly with your registrar.

Question 1

Mobile Phone Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers send fake invoices, pretend to be your regular supplier, or offer bogus advertising opportunities. They might also target your domain registration with fake renewal notices.

How to Protect Yourself:

Check invoices and orders carefully before paying.
Train staff to recognize suspicious calls or emails.
Verify domain renewals directly with your registrar.

How to Protect Yourself:

Ignore texts or missed calls from unknown numbers.
Read the fine print before subscribing to services.
Block and report suspicious numbers.

Question 2

Money Transfer Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Someone asks you to transfer money for them—maybe for an inheritance, to claim a reward, or as part of a “job.” They’ll ask for fees upfront or provide fake cheques that will bounce after you’ve sent the money.

How to Protect Yourself:

Never agree to transfer money for someone you don’t know.
Ignore emails or messages about unexpected inheritances or winnings.
Verify payment methods before depositing or spending money.

Question 3

Moving Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Rogue movers offer low quotes, then hold your belongings hostage for more money. Others might damage or steal your items and disappear.

How to Protect Yourself:

Research movers and check reviews before hiring.
Get a written estimate and understand the terms.
Avoid paying in full before the move is completed.

Question 4

Online Marketplace Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Sellers demand payment upfront and never deliver the product, or buyers use fake payment methods for items they pick up.

How to Protect Yourself:

Use secure payment methods (e.g., PayPal’s goods and services option).
Meet in public places for exchanges.
Avoid transactions that feel rushed or pressured.

Question 5

Pyramid Schemes

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: These scams promise high pay for little effort, often involving upfront fees or using your bank account for “business purposes.” Fake job offers can also be fronts for money laundering.

How to Protect Yourself:

Research the employer and job opportunity thoroughly.
Never pay upfront fees for a job.
Be cautious of job offers that require you to transfer money or share personal info.

How to Protect Yourself:

Be cautious if the focus is on recruitment, not sales.
Research any opportunity independently.
Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics.

Question 6

Rental Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers post fake rental ads or impersonate landlords, asking for deposits or personal information upfront. You might be asked to wire money without seeing the property.

How to Protect Yourself:

Always visit a rental property in person before signing or paying.
Don’t send money or provide personal info before verifying the landlord’s identity.
Research market prices; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Question 7

Service Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers pretend to offer lower rates on services like antivirus software, credit cards, or utilities. They often ask for payment upfront or personal details to secure the “deal.”

How to Protect Yourself:

Only trust offers directly from your service provider.
Avoid giving payment info over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about “special deals” or limited-time offers.

Question 8

Sextortion Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers claim to have compromising photos or videos of you and threaten to share them with your contacts unless you pay. Sometimes, they’ve hacked your accounts or used phishing to get personal information, but often, they’re bluffing and have nothing.

How to Protect Yourself:

Never send money; it encourages further threats.
Avoid sharing intimate content online, even with trusted individuals.
Update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Report the scam to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you are worried a nude of you under the age of 18 is being shared online, NeedHelpNow.ca can help. There are steps you can take to regain control, and people to support you.

Question 9

SIM Card Swap Fraud

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Fraudsters convince your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card, giving them access to your accounts (especially if you use SMS for two-factor authentication).

How to Protect Yourself:

Use app-based two-factor authentication instead of SMS.
Set a PIN or passcode with your carrier.
Monitor your phone for sudden loss of service.

Question 10

Small Business Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers send fake invoices, pretend to be your regular supplier, or offer bogus advertising opportunities. They might also target your domain registration with fake renewal notices.

How to Protect Yourself:

Check invoices and orders carefully before paying.
Train staff to recognize suspicious calls or emails.
Verify domain renewals directly with your registrar.

Question 11

Tax/Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers pretend to be from the CRA, claiming you owe back taxes or are eligible for a refund. They’ll pressure you to pay or share personal details to "process your refund."

How to Protect Yourself:

The CRA doesn’t threaten arrests or ask for payments in gift cards.
Log in to your official CRA account to verify claims.
Report suspicious calls or emails to the CRA.

Question 12

Taxi Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Drivers overcharge, claim their card reader is broken, or use fake apps to inflate fares. They may even swap your card during payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

Use ride-hailing apps where possible.
Check the fare and agree on a price beforehand for cash rides.
Monitor your card transactions after paying.

Question 13

Tech Support Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: You get a call or pop-up claiming your computer is infected, urging you to pay for unnecessary repairs or grant remote access.

How to Protect Yourself:

Never allow remote access to your computer unless you initiated contact with a trusted service provider.
Close suspicious pop-ups immediately.
Update your antivirus software regularly.

Question 14

ATM Fraud

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Skimming devices and hidden cameras capture your card details and PIN. Some ATMs may also be tampered with to “trap” your card.

How to Protect Yourself:

Inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before use.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.

Question 15

Charity Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Fake charities prey on your generosity, especially after disasters or during the holidays. Scammers may pressure you to donate immediately or refuse to provide proper details about their organization.

How to Protect Yourself:

Verify the charity with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Donate directly through official websites or organizations.
Never give cash or personal details to solicitors you don’t trust.

Question 16

Cryptocurrency Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Fraudsters promote fake investment opportunities, impersonate crypto wallet providers, or create phishing schemes to steal your wallet credentials. Some claim you’ll earn huge returns if you transfer your crypto to them.

How to Protect Yourself:

Stick to trusted crypto platforms and wallets.
Avoid “guaranteed” returns or unsolicited investment advice.
Use multi-factor authentication on crypto accounts.

Question 17

Dating and Romance Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers on dating sites or apps try to build trust, then ask for money or personal info. They may claim to have a family emergency or need help with travel expenses to visit you. They may also request intimate images and blackmail you once they have them.

How to Protect Yourself:

Be wary of someone who professes their love to you who you haven’t met in person
Do an image search of the person to see if their photo is taken from a stock image
Be cautious of someone who avoids meeting face-to-face
The scammer may express distress or an emergency that requires you to send them money very early on in your communications. Do NOT send money.
Look for inconsistencies in their online profile and what they tell you
Stick to reputable dating platforms.
Don’t share personal or financial info with people you haven’t met in person.
Don't share intimate images.

Question 18

Emergency Scams / Grandparent Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: A scammer pretends to be a family member or friend in trouble, like needing bail money or help after an accident. They’ll ask you to send money quickly and not tell anyone else.

How to Protect Yourself:

Take a breath and verify the story with other family members.
Ask questions only your loved one would know.
Never wire money without confirming the situation.

Question 19

Fake Subscription Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: You receive notices about renewing subscriptions for services you never signed up for. Scammers may ask for payment or personal details to “cancel” the service.

How to Protect Yourself:

Ignore calls or emails about unknown subscriptions.
Check your bank statements for unusual charges.
Contact the service provider directly if in doubt.

Question 20

Gift Card Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers demand payment via gift cards, claiming it’s the only way to settle debts or resolve a problem.

How to Protect Yourself:

Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for gift card payments.
Never share gift card numbers with anyone you don’t know.

Question 21

Health and Medical Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Offers for “miracle cures” or “quick fixes” for serious conditions, dramatic weight-loss promises, or drugs sold online at super-low prices. These are often fake, untested, or even harmful.

How to Protect Yourself:

Don’t trust health claims that seem too good to be true.
Check with a healthcare professional before trying new treatments.
Avoid buying medications from unverified online pharmacies.

Question 22

Home Repair/Door-to-Door Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers offer urgent repairs (e.g., roof, driveway) or energy-saving products, often demanding large deposits upfront. They may claim your home is in immediate danger or pressure you into a quick decision.

How to Protect Yourself:

Don’t agree to repairs without getting multiple quotes.
Verify the business’s credentials and references.
Never pay cash upfront for work that hasn’t been done.

Question 23

Identity Theft

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers steal personal information through phishing, fake websites, or even by digging through your trash. They use this info to open accounts, apply for credit, or commit other fraud in your name.

How to Protect Yourself:

Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.
Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity.

Question 24

Immigration Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers pose as immigration officials or consultants, threatening deportation or offering to fast-track applications for a fee. They may request personal info, upfront payments, or use fake government documents to appear legit.

How to Protect Yourself:

Only use licensed immigration consultants or lawyers.
The government won’t threaten you or demand gift cards or crypto payments.
Verify all info on the official Canada website (canada.ca).
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Question 25

Internet Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: These include phishing emails pretending to be from your bank, fake websites selling goods, or malware that infects your computer. Scammers might try to steal personal info or money by tricking you into clicking on bad links.

How to Protect Yourself:

Don’t click links or download files from unknown senders.
Use antivirus software and keep it updated.
Always type website addresses yourself instead of clicking on links.

Question 26

Job and Employment Scams

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: These scams promise high pay for little effort, often involving upfront fees or using your bank account for “business purposes.” Fake job offers can also be fronts for money laundering.

How to Protect Yourself:

Research the employer and job opportunity thoroughly.
Never pay upfront fees for a job.
Be cautious of job offers that require you to transfer money or share personal info.

Question 27

Lotteries, Sweepstakes, and Contests

Accepted Answer

What to Look For: Scammers claim you’ve won a big prize from a lottery or contest you never entered. They’ll often say you need to pay fees or provide personal info to claim your winnings. Sometimes they’ll even use official-looking documents to convince you it’s real.

How to Protect Yourself:

If you didn’t enter, you can’t win—simple as that.
Never pay upfront fees for prizes.
Don’t share personal or banking info with anyone claiming you’ve won.

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