Top 15 Most Common Scams in Canada and the U.S.: How to Stay Safe

Scams targeting Canadians and Americans, especially seniors, are unfortunately widespread and diverse. Being aware of these common scams is crucial to identify them early and protect yourself effectively.

Most Common Scams in Canada and the U.S.

1. Fraudulent Account Lock

A fake message pretending to be from your bank warns you of imminent account lockout. Clicking the provided link leads to a fraudulent site aiming to steal your financial details.

2. Banking Fraud Calls

Scammers impersonate bank representatives, asking for sensitive information like account numbers and passwords under the guise of verification.

3. Fake Charity Requests

After natural disasters or tragedies, scammers solicit donations by pretending to represent legitimate humanitarian organizations.

4. Fake Merchants

Too-good-to-be-true deals from fake merchants or identity thieves aiming to obtain your financial data.

5. Family Emergency Scam

A scammer claims a family member urgently needs money due to an invented emergency situation.

6. Fine Print Scam

Offers with exceptionally low costs often conceal recurring fees hidden within the fine print of terms and conditions.

7. Gift Card Payment Scam

Scammers posing as government agencies like Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) demand payment via gift cards.

8. Grandparent Scam

A fraudster pretends to be a grandchild in distress, persuading an elderly victim to send money urgently.

9. Bank Identity Theft

Scammers impersonate financial institutions like Capital One to extract sensitive information such as PIN numbers or CVV codes.

10. Lottery Scam

False claims of winning a foreign lottery requiring payment of fees or taxes to claim a nonexistent prize.

11. Romance Scams

Scammers create emotional connections online, later exploiting their victims' trust by requesting money.

12. Fake Tech Support

Fraudsters claiming to represent well-known tech companies like Microsoft or Apple seek access to your computer to steal personal data.

13. Threatening Calls from CRA or IRS

Scammers posing as CRA or IRS officials threaten arrest or legal action unless immediate payments are made.

14. Warranty, Insurance, and Debt Consolidation Scams

These scams offer fake warranties, insurance, or debt consolidation services to steal personal information and identities.

15. Fraudulent Password Requests

Scammers use various pretexts to trick you into revealing personal passwords.

How to Recognize a Scam?

Watch out for these red flags:

• Urgent requests for personal information.

• Threatening or pressuring language.

• Offers that seem excessively generous or unrealistic.

• Unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers).

• Unexpected contact from unknown individuals or organizations.

Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Scams

• Never share sensitive personal information upon unsolicited requests.

• Always verify the caller's identity by directly contacting the official institution.

• Thoroughly research sellers before making online purchases.

• Refuse any requests to pay using gift cards or similar unusual methods.

Useful Resources to Report and Prevent Scams:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

• CRA Security Tips

• IRS Scam Alerts

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alerts

Stay informed, remain vigilant, and share these tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones from common scams.