Common Scams Targeting Canadians in 2023
Introduction
Canada, like many other countries, is not immune to scams. Scammers are crafty and constantly evolving their tactics to deceive individuals. This article will explore some of the most prevalent scams that Canadians have encountered recently, providing tips and advice on how to protect yourself and avoid falling victim to these schemes.
About Revenue Canada and Scams
The Revenue Canada scam is one of the most notorious in Canada. Scammers often impersonate Revenue Canada (Canada Revenue Agency) and call individuals demanding payment in Bitcoin or gift cards. They might also claim that you owe taxes and threaten legal action. It's essential to remember that Revenue Canada will always communicate via email or regular mail. They will never make unexpected phone calls demanding immediate payments. Only accepted forms of payment, such as Canadian dollars, are accepted.
Cell Phone Scams
Another common scam involves scammers obtaining your cell phone information to offer you a new plan. They claim to send you a small gift, but instead, they send you a new cell phone ordered with your account information. When it arrives, it's not what you expect, and they apologize, sending you a shipping label to "return" the phone. To avoid this, be cautious about unsolicited calls from your service provider and verify any offers before accepting them.
Unpaid Parking Ticket Scams
There's been a recent uptick in fake parking ticket scams, given the nature of the pestering messages. It's surprising to learn that these unsolicited messages are targeting individuals, even those who haven't owned a car in decades. It's important to verify any parking fines through official channels. Regularly check your city's official website for any fines or reminders.
Scams Through Email and Online Job Offers
Scammers are using email and online job offers to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One common tactic involves offering you a job that requires you to deposit a draft in your account and then buy items to ship elsewhere. The draft has no funds, and the scammers make money off of your purchase. Here are some examples of recent scam email communications:
Email Example 1: IT Support Services Job
Name: Jessica Perez
Date: Thu 2019-10-24 09:46
Email Subject: IT Support Services Canada
Details:
Job duties include communicating with customers and preparing scan and upload all mails. Benefits include health and dental insurance, flexible working hours, and a smartphone for work. Salary for full-time and part-time positions. Instructions to respond with pre-interview questions if interested.Important Note: Scammers often use company names and details to make the email look legitimate. Always verify the company's official website or official social media accounts.
Email Example 2: Mosaic Petroleum Job
Name: Daisy Brooks
Date: Fri 2019-10-11 13:07
Email Subject: Mosaic Petroleum
Details:
Job duties include securely managing businesses online. Benefits include full health and dental insurance, excellent opportunities to work anywhere in Canada, and professional training. Salary for full-time and part-time positions. Instructions to reply indicating interest in the job.Important Note: Be wary of attachments or links that you weren't expecting or that direct you to suspicious HTML links. Scammers often use phishing links to steal personal information.
Email Example 3: Casselman Developments Ltd. Job
Name: Danilo Galvez
Date: Thu 2019-09-26 14:37
Email Subject: Asset Manager Invest Position
Details:
Job duties include contacting clients, obtaining orders, and analyzing orders. Benefits include full health and dental insurance, and flexible working hours. Salary for full-time and part-time positions. Instructions to sign the employment agreement and complete the application process. Instructions to send the signed agreement back to the hiring manager.Important Note: Be cautious about signing any documents before thoroughly verifying their authenticity. Always ask for additional contact information for verification purposes.
Preventive Measures
To protect yourself from these scams, follow these tips:
Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or emails, especially those that demand immediate action or payment. Verify all information through official channels, such as the Revenue Canada website or your service provider's official website. Be cautious of email attachments or links and do not click on them unless you are certain of their origin. Never provide personal or financial information unless you are absolutely sure of the source. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities or relevant organizations.Conclusion
Scams can cause significant financial and emotional distress. By staying informed and taking preventive measures, Canadians can protect themselves from these deceptions. Always prioritize verifying the legitimacy of any communication before acting on it.