🔰 What is a scam?

A scam is when someone tries to trick you. They may try to take your money or your information. Scams are very common in Canada.

🚩 Scam Signs

Scammers often use the same tricks. Watch for these signs:

• They ask you to act fast
• They ask for money
• They ask for personal information
• They ask for a code from your phone
• The message looks strange or has mistakes
• The offer looks too good to be true

🚨Common Types of Scams:

📞 Phone scams
💬 Text Message (SMS) scams
🧑‍💼 Immigration scams
💼 Job scams
🏦 Bank scams
📦 Delivery scams
🏛️ Government scams
💻 Tech support scams
👥 Social / friend scams
🏠 Rental scams
❤️ Romance scams
🛒 Shopping scams
🤲 Donation Scams

📞 Phone call Scams: Someone says they are from the government, Canada Post, or any well-known organization. They say you must pay money, give away your SIN number and account details, such as your password or attempt to get your MFA code.

💬 Text Message (SMS) Scams: Sometimes you get a text message with a link. It may say: “Your account is locked” “Click here to fix it” This can be a scam. The link may take you to a fake website that steals your information. Do not click the link. Delete the message.

🧑‍💼 Immigration Scams: Someone may say they can help you get a visa or speed up your application. This is a scam. They may ask for money or personal information. Only use official government websites or trusted services.

💼 Fake Job offers: Finding a job is important when you come to Canada. Scammers know this, and they try to trick people with fake job offers. Initially, these jobs are being advertised via email, text messages, WhatsApp, Social Media. Sometimes, you do not even apply, they contact you first. After you say yes, they may ask for: Money (for training or equipment), your bank details, your ID, your password or code.

💳 Bank messages: Sometimes you get a message that looks like it is from your bank. It may say there is a problem and ask you to click a link. This can be a scam. The link may steal your password or code. Real banks do not ask for this in messages. Do not click the link. Use your bank app or official website instead.

📦 Delivery Scams: Sometimes you get a message saying you have a package. It may look like it is from Canada Post and ask you to click a link or pay a small fee. This is a scam. The link goes to a fake website that tries to steal your information or money. Real delivery companies do not ask for payment like this. Do not click the link. Check your package on the official website instead.

🎁 Prize / Lottery Scams: Sometimes you get a message saying you won money or a prize. It may say: “You won $1,000” “Claim your reward now” This is a scam. They may ask you to pay a small fee or give your personal information to receive the prize. Real prizes do not ask you to pay money first. If you did not enter, you did not win. Do not reply. Do not send money.

🧾 Government (Tax) Scams: Sometimes you get a message or call saying it is from the government. They may say you owe money or will get a refund. This can be a scam. They may ask for money or your personal information. Real government services do not do this in messages or calls. Do not send money. Check the official website instead.

🧑‍💻 Tech Support Scams: Sometimes you see a message or pop-up saying your computer has a problem. It may tell you to call a number or download something. This is a scam. They try to scare you so you give them access to your device or pay money. Do not call the number. Do not download anything. Close the page.

💼 Rental Scams: Sometimes you see a house or apartment for rent online. The price looks very good. This can be a scam. They may ask you to send money before you see the place. The listing may be fake. Do not send money. Always visit the place and check the owner first.

👤 Fake Friend Scams: Sometimes someone contacts you pretending to be a friend or family member. They may say they have a new number and need help. This is a scam. They may ask for money or information. It may look real, but it is not. Do not send money. Check with your friend using their real number first.

❤️ Romance Scams: Sometimes someone talks to you online and becomes friendly very fast. They may say they love you. This is a scam. After some time, they ask for money for an “emergency”. Do not send money. Do not trust quickly.

🎓 Scholarship Scams: Sometimes you get a message about a scholarship or free school. They ask you to pay a fee to apply. This is a scam. Real scholarships do not ask for money. Do not pay. Check the official website.

🛒 Online Shopping Scams: Sometimes you see items online for very low prices. The website looks real. This can be a scam. After you pay, you may receive nothing. Check reviews. Use trusted websites only.

🤲 Donation Scams: Sometimes you see messages asking for donations. They may say it is for: Charity, Emergency help, People in need. This can be a scam. They try to make you feel emotional so you send money quickly. Do not send money right away. Check if the charity is real on its official website.

✅Final Tip:

• Always take your time.
• Do not trust messages right away.
• Do not share your personal information or send money.
• If something feels wrong, stop and check first.