OTTAWA – Scammers can target any Canadian. Here are some tips and tricks from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to protect yourself from scams and fraud.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Don’t be intimidated by high-pressure sales tactics. If a telemarketer tries to get you to buy something or to send them money right away:
– Request the information in writing;
– Hang up; and
-Watch out for urgent pleas that play on your emotions.
Do your research
Always verify that the organization you’re dealing with is legitimate before you take any other action:
– Verify Canadian charities with the Canada Revenue Agency;
– Verify collection agencies with the appropriate provincial agency;
– Look online for contact information for the company that supposedly called you, and call them to confirm; and
– Verify any calls with your credit card company by calling the phone number on the back of your credit card.
If you’ve received a call or other contact from somone claiming to be a family member in trouble, talk to other family members to confirm the situation.
And watch out for fake or deceptive ads, or spoofed emails. Always verify the company and its services are real before you contact them.
Don’t give out personal information
Beware of unsolicited calls where the caller asks you for personal information, such as:
– Your name;
– Your address;
– Your birthdate;
– Your Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
– Your credit card or banking information.
If you didn’t initiate the call, you don’t know who you’re talking to.
Beware of upfront fees
Many scams request you to pay fees in advance of receiving goods, services, or a prize. It’s illegal for a company to ask you to pay a fee upfront before they’ll give you a loan.
There are no prize fees or taxes in Canada. If you won it, it’s free.
Protect your computer
Watch out for urgent-looking messages that pop up while you’re browsing online. Don’t click on them or call the number they provide.
No legitimate company will call and claim your computer is infected with a virus.
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep your operating system up to date.
Be careful who you share images with and protect your online accounts.
Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For more tips, visit https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/.
