Use this checklist to spot and avoid scams. If you notice any of these red flags, stop and verify before taking any action!
Scammers frequently rush you with instructions, leaving little time for you to ask questions or think critically. They aim to overwhelm and pressure you into compliance.
UNSOLICITED CONTACT
- Did someone contact you out of the blue by phone, email, text, or social media?
- Are they claiming to represent a company, government agency, or someone you know without warning?
HIGH-PRESSURE TACTICS
- Are they urging you to act immediately or face dire consequences (e.g., account suspension, legal trouble)?
- Do they refuse to let you verify their identity or give you time to think it over? Is it hard for you to get a word in?
REQUEST FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Are they asking for sensitive details like your:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)?
- Banking information?
- Passwords or verification codes?
REQUEST FOR PAYMENT IN UNUSUAL WAYS
Are they asking you to:
- Pay in gift cards?
- Transfer cryptocurrency? Go to a Bitcoin machine?
- Use apps like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal for unusual purposes?
REMEMBER*********Legitimate companies and organizations will never ask for payment this way.
OFFERS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
- Does the offer include some form of payment to you, promising you money back, or returning money to your account because you “overpaid”, or is it promising a guaranteed return on an investment or a lottery win?
Remember: ALL OF THESE ARE SCAMS. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
SUSPICIOUS EMAIL OR WEBSITE
Does the email or website have:
- Spelling or grammar mistakes?
- A strange sender address (e.g., support123@gmail.com instead of an official domain)?
- A URL that looks off (e.g., amazon-login-secure.com instead of amazon.com)?
- Hover over links to check where they lead without clicking.
FAKE CALLER CLAIMS
- Does the caller claim to be from a trusted organization and giving you an agent number, and phone number to call?
- Always verify by HANGING UP and calling the official number listed on their website or on the back of your bank card.
THREATENING LANGUAGE
Are they threatening to:
- Arrest you? Shut off your utilities? Cancel bank?
- Legitimate companies do not use threats.
REQUEST FOR REMOTE ACCESS
- Are they asking you to install software or give them access to your device?
- Scammers often pretend to be tech support to steal your personal data.
Requests for you to change settings on your computer.
Examples include:
- Disabling antivirus software.
- Altering security settings.
- Entering commands into your terminal or command prompt.
These changes can make your device vulnerable to malware, allow remote access, or steal your personal data.
What to Do If You Spot a Red Flag
- Stop and think: Don’t rush to respond.
- Verify the source: Call the company or person directly using a number you trust.
- Don’t share information: Never give out personal or financial details. Period.
- Report the scam: Notify your local fraud prevention agency or police AND TELL AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE.
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