Common Internet Scams
Be aware and stay safe online
Important Safety Notice
Never give out personal information (your name, address, birthdate, images, any banking information) on an unsolicited phone call, or in response to an email that isn't from a trusted sender.
1. "You've won a cash prize!" / "You won the jackpot!"
A phone call or an email may inform you that you've won a cash prize or a lottery, but need to pay or give your banking information in order to collect it. This is a scam; even if you recognize the name of the contest (such as LottoMax), there are no prize fees or taxes in Canada. You would be able to collect your cash prize for free if it was legitimate. Hang up on the phone call, or delete the email message.
2. "Your device has been infected with a virus..."
If you receive a phone call or email that claims your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is infected with a virus and that they can help you — this is a scam. No 'tech support representative' should call you to ask for access to your devices. If you need technology assistance, contact a family member or a retailer of your device, such as Best Buy or the Apple Store.
3. "Grandma/Grandpa, I need help!"
This scam can be very startling — someone imitating one of your grandchildren, perhaps even using their real name and location, may call you asking for help at a random hour of the day. These scammers will ask you to send them money right away to deal with an emergency or scary situation. Even though it may be convincing, hang up, and instead call your grandchild or one of their immediate family members to check in.
4. "You are in trouble with the law..."
If someone calls or emails you pretending to be a lawyer, officer, involved with the Canada Revenue Agency or the IRS, be wary of a possible scam. A problem with one of your accounts or activities will not be brought to your attention with an automated phone call — this scam will likely ask you for money or personal details in order to avoid "legal action". Hang up and speak with a trusted family member if you feel unsure about how legitimate the call might be.
5. "Click to sign into your bank account..."
If you receive an out-of-the-blue email from your banking institution with a link, be sure to check on the email and exercise caution. These scams often provide links to malicious websites, in an effort to prompt you to enter your personal banking details. When in doubt, check the sender's email address (which will often be a series of random numbers and letters when it is a scam), and contact your bank if you are still unsure. Do not click any links in these emails, or respond with any personal information.
New phone and email scams are being invented daily.
For updated information, such as recognizing and reporting scams, visit:
Canada.ca — Fraud & ScamsView detailed scam bulletins from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
View Scam Bulletins