COVER STORY
GOTCHA! DID YOU FALL FOR THAT SCAM?
Be wary of a message that asks you to share your personal information.
By SHAGORIKA EASWAR, with files from NEWS CANADA
Remember those frantic appeals for help to send cash urgently to a friend/family member stranded in some far corner of the world? When people got wise to that scam, the scammers switched tracks.
Just recently I received an email from a close friend asking if she could call, she had something important to share. Since she’s someone who teases me about what she describes as my “ultra formal behaviour” for asking if she’s free to chat before launching into a discussion, I seized the opportunity to tease her right back.
I called her and asked, “Who’s being formal now?”
“You received the email?” she asked, sounding distressed. Their computers had been hacked and the emails sent to everyone on their contact list. If I had, as most people did, written back saying, “Sure,” or something to that effect, who knows who would have gained access to my files. This friend’s husband is an IT whiz and their devices have all the protection one can think of.
Then there are job offer scams that we are warned about. In a dramatic illustration of how sophisticated these have become, here’s a cautionary tale about Indian news anchor Nidhi Razdan.
According to media reports, the respected and long-time NDTV journalist resigned from her job after receiving an offer to teach journalism at Harvard. She is no wet-behind-the-ears rookie, but someone who has done countless investigative reports in the course of her 21-year career. She checked out the offer and everything from the offer letter to the reference checks they conducted with her employer, appeared kosher. When the start date was moved from September last year to January, and then again, at first, the reason given for the delay – the pandemic – seemed believable enough. But as the delays went on, she began to suspect something was amiss.
She reached out to senior authorities at Harvard University for clarity and discovered she had been had. “The perpetrators of this attack used clever forgeries and misrepresentations to obtain access to my personal data and communications and may have also gained access to my devices and my email/social media accounts,” she wrote.
Phishing is a common tactic that cybercriminals use to steal personal and financial information from you. Messages usually take the form of an email or text from someone pretending to be someone they are not, such as your bank.
Be wary of any of the following phishing scare tactics:
Messages that ask you to share your personal information.
Threatening messages, including claims that they will close your account, arrest you or send you a fine.
Messages that contain a suspicious link or file.
The best way to protect yourself from a phishing campaign is to be extremely cautious any time you receive a message that asks you to reveal personal information – no matter how legitimate that message may appear at first glance. Use common sense. If you’re clued into something that doesn’t look right, you’ll be more likely to spot a phishing scam.
Seniors beware! You are prime targets for scammers.
My friend Anne forwarded an email warning of another scam.
Someone she knows received a call from a man saying he was from a courier company. He asked if she was going to be home because there was a package that required a signature .
Soon after, a uniformed delivery man turned up with a beautiful basket of flowers and a bottle of wine. As she wasn’t expecting anything, nor was it a special occasion, she asked who the sender was.
The courier said he didn’t know, he was only delivering the package, but that a card was being sent separately.
Of course, the card never arrived!
Because the gift contained alcohol, he said there was a $3.50 delivery/verification charge, providing proof that he had actually delivered the package to an adult (of legal drinking age), and not just left it on the doorstep where it could be stolen or taken by anyone, especially a minor.
This sounded logical and she offered to pay him cash. The delivery company required payment to be by credit or debit card only, to help keep a legal record of the transaction, he said. Also that couriers don’t carry cash to avoid loss or becoming targets for robbery.
Her husband pulled out his credit card, and the “delivery man,” asked him to swipe the card on a small mobile card machine and enter his PIN number. A receipt was printed out and they were given a copy of the transaction.
To their shock, over the next couple of days, $4,000 had been charged/withdrawn from their credit/debit account at various ATM machines.
Apparently the mobile credit card machine, which the delivery man carried now had all the info necessary to create a dummy card with all their card details including the PIN number.
The police confirmed it is a scam and that several others had been similarly hit.
Be wary of accepting any surprise gift or package which you neither expected nor personally ordered, especially if it involves any kind of payment as a condition of receiving the gift or package. Also, never accept anything if you do not personally know or there is no proper identification of who the sender is.
Above all, the only time you should give out any personal credit/debit card information is when you yourself initiated the purchase or transaction.
Here are several scams that the police and authorities are warning public about, including, of course, pandemic scams.
The pandemic scam. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on consumers’ fears. They thrive on uncertainty and worry.
Beware of questionable offers related to relief measures or quick fixes. A number of scams have already been reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at a national level, including:
Companies offering duct cleaning or home decontamination services to protect from COVID-19.
Fictional public health agencies saying you have tested positive for COVID-19 and asking for your personal/financial details.
Suspects purporting to be from known charities asking for donations in exchange for masks or other medical products.
Financial advisors pressuring people to invest in stocks related to COVID-19 or offering loans/financial support.
Private companies selling fast and accurate COVID-19 tests.
Scams are becoming so sophisticated that they are increasingly difficult to detect.
Fraudsters often pose as collection agencies or financial service companies offering loans, debt consolidation and other services. Scams include unsolicited texts, emails and calls requesting urgent action or payment. They may seem to come from a financial institution, but be wary of this type of request because financial institutions will never ask for personal information, login credentials or account information by email or text.
Towing scam. Towing, auto repair and rental suppliers are critical to get you back on the road after an accident.
But unfortunately, there are some suppliers in the auto insurance system who take advantage of consumer vulnerabilities and overcharge or cause delays.
With fraud on the rise in general across Canada, it’s important to know what to do if you’re in an accident or your vehicle needs damage repaired – and how to spot any red flags.
Bryant Vernon, chief claims officer at Aviva Canada, has seen an alarming number of creative scams targeting customers of the insurance company. From fraudulent tows to blank work orders and more damage, there are plenty of ways a simple job can turn into a major headache.
“An extreme example happened last winter, when following the storage of a damaged car our customer was told they were no longer the registered owner,” says Vernon. “A repair shop employee went so far as to change the ownership with the ministry. To help our customer get on with her life, we deemed the car a total loss so that she could receive full payment. But we’re still working with the courts to resolve the matter.”
Fraud is a systemic issue, and the towing and repair industries are often players in a complex fraud network that puts customers at risk while increasing their insurance premiums.
To help ensure you don’t fall victim to a common scam, call your insurance company or broker immediately following an accident. Avoid signing any blank work order forms or agreements from tow, repair or rental vendors.
Renovation scam. Spring is renovation season, and more so this year, with home makeovers and repairs on the rise as we try to make our spaces more livable and functional with so many of us working from home..
Do your homework before signing a contractor – there are many industry scams that you may not be aware of.
“Some customers have told us that they have been approached by contractors going door-to-door to offer repair services with deals that seem too good to be true,” says Vernon. “It’s important for everyone to protect themselves against contractors who may be taking advantage of homeowners especially after a severe weather event.”
Here are some of the most common scams to be aware of, and some tips on what you can do about them:
Stay alert! It is important to know what to do if you are in an accident or your vehicle needs damage repaired.
The storm chaser. These nomad roofers go across the country chasing hailstorms and other natural disasters. They are quick to show up on your doorstep after a severe weather event. Familiar with how insurance companies work, these contractors charge a hefty amount using inferior quality products and promise to help you close your file quickly with the insurance company. But they are nowhere to be found should you find yourself with a leaky roof a few years later.
The unbelievably low bid. This roofing contractor will offer a bid that is far lower than any other construction company in the area. But once the job starts, unexpected costs and unforeseen problems may suddenly appear. Some contractors may even resort to removing the old roof or threaten to leave the roof bare if additional payments aren’t made.
The door-to-door free roof inspection. Similar to the storm chaser, this door-to-door salesperson will come knocking offering a free roof inspection. They will go up on your roof and possibly fabricate damage to mimic storm damage or show you a photo with roof damage from a different home and claim it came from your roof.
Always do your research and get a couple of quotes from reputable companies to compare before deciding on the one to hire. Be cautious of those asking for upfront deposits and make sure the payment structure is clear from the beginning. Ask about all the steps of the project, completion times and liability insurance. While not required by law, a company that does not have liability insurance means any damage to property resulting from the renovation may not be covered by them.
Home purchase scam. Purchasing a new home is a big milestone that’s typically full of happy moments – from picking out new furniture and décor to discovering all the interesting spots in your new neighbourhood.
But this is also a time when home-buyers can be susceptible to mortgage fraud. According to a survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), only 35 per cent of people are aware of the dangers posed by mortgage fraud.
The first step in protecting yourself is to learn about the different types of this kind of fraud:
Title fraud. This can happen when someone forges or impersonates a homeowner to transfer the deed of the property to themselves. The scammer may then take out a loan against the home and keep the cash. This can leave you on the hook for your mortgage payments without actually owning your property. Title insurance can protect you against this type of real estate fraud.
Online cons. While most of us know not to click on random ads or spam emails, some of us may be deceived when looking for less expensive homes advertised online as private sales. You may be tempted to save on realtor commissions but beware of the risk of sending thousands of dollars to a dishonest seller who will never transfer the deed of the property to you. If you choose to go with a private sale, make sure you have a lawyer look over all documents carefully before signing anything or transferring any funds.
Deceitful brokers. As Canada’s mortgage lending laws tighten up with measures like the OSFI Mortgage Stress Test, more people are turning away from the big banks where they no longer qualify to secure a mortgage. But this can put you at risk of being scammed by a shady broker. Always make sure that the broker you are using is licensed. As an extra assurance, check local land registries and work with an appraiser to learn about the history of the property you are thinking about purchasing.
Seniors scam. Seniors are one of the most commonly targeted groups by fraudsters, so it pays to be vigilant. Whether you’re an older adult or are hoping to keep your parents, family and friends safe, learn some of the most popular scams and how to protect against them.
Door-to-door scams. With this trick, door-to-door salespeople use high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners to buy a product or sign up for a service they may not want or need. These aggressive pitches can be for charitable donations or home maintenance services, like duct cleaning. In many cases, the product or service is never received or is of poor quality or not as represented.
Protect yourself against these scams by not allowing salespeople to pressure you into making a quick decision and by taking time to do some research on the seller and the products first. It’s a good idea to ask for photo ID, get the name of the person and of the company or charity they represent.
Emergency scams. The typical scam starts with a grandparent receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild, who says they’re in trouble and need money immediately. Worried grandparents will act quickly out of concern and may end up having their money or financial information stolen.
Take time to verify the story by asking questions and calling the child’s parents or friends to confirm if the story is true.
Medical scams. Someone may offer products and services that seem to be legitimate alternative medicines and treatments. Some of these may seem to be endorsed by celebrities or promoted by testimonials from people claiming to have been cured. Fake online pharmacies will also advertise drugs and medications at very low prices or without a doctor’s prescription. But there’s no guarantee that these products are real or safe to take.
To avoid falling for this scam, don’t trust claims about medicines, supplements or other treatments. Get the facts straight from your health-care professional. Know that if an online pharmacy is legitimate, it will require valid prescriptions.
As an older individual, you can be a target for scam artists because many seniors have built a nest-egg for retirement or have property or a pension, making them attractive to scammers.
In addition, seniors may be looking to maximize their investments to help through retirement and leave money for their family.
Fraudsters prey on this perceived vulnerability and try to separate you from the money, investments and assets that took you a lifetime to accumulate. You can help yourself avoid becoming a victim by following the Alberta Securities Commission’s self-defence tips:
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Successful scam artists look and sound very professional, making even the flimsiest deal sound safe.
Don’t be a victim of your manners. It’s okay to just say “no” to an offer you are unsure about.
Understand your finances. Beware of individuals asking you to sign something you don’t understand or urging you to leave everything in their hands.
Watch out for salespeople who prey on your fears. Scam artists know that you worry about your future and focus on your fears and insecurities. All investment decisions should be made with a clear mind, with no pressure or emotions clouding your judgement.
Monitor your investments and ask tough questions. Carefully review your statements and keep an eye on the progress of your investments.
Look out for difficulties retrieving your money. If you receive any pushback or stalling tactics when you want to pull out your principal or profits, you may have uncovered someone trying to cheat you.
Beware of “recovery room” scams. If you have already been a victim of investment fraud, you have an increased risk of being scammed a second time. Scam artists try to convince you that they’ll recover your money for a fee. Once you pay, they disappear.
Check registration. Check out the firm or person offering you an investment or providing you with advice by searching the National Registration Database online.
You may be approached with fraudulent investment opportunities through friends and family – people you trust. This is called affinity fraud and almost always involves either a fake investment or one where the scammer lies about the critical details, such as the risk of losing money or where the money is going.
While sometimes these sources are fully aware of their intent to deceive, other times they are unknowingly involved. It is critical, therefore, that you know how to protect yourself from investment fraud no matter the source.
Scam artists often target organized groups such as community clubs, religious organizations, immigrant communities, seniors’ homes and online chat forums.
Following this checklist might help save you or a loved one time, money and heartache:
Never rely solely on referrals from friends and family members. If they have failed to do their own research and invested in a scam, they may unknowingly lead you down the same path.
Don’t be drawn in by promises of spectacular returns and low risk; these are classic warning signs of fraud.
Don’t be pressured into making a decision. Take your time to understand the business and the risks involved.
Be wary of investments offering little information. If you are being offered an investment and the promoter “doesn’t have time” to provide details or you are told to keep the opportunity confidential, this could be a warning sign.
Many people who fall victim to affinity fraud fail to report it because they feel ashamed, embarrassed or want to protect their friend or loved one. This enables other people to fall victim to the same scam and makes prevention difficult. If you suspect you have been approached with a potentially fraudulent investment scheme, report it.
DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!
If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Being aware and alert are vital in preventing fraud. Here are helpful tips from police:
If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do your research. Verify the organization or person.
Do not be afraid to say no.
Avoid clicking on convenient links or attachments in unsolicited texts and emails. It is always best to enter your financial institution’s website into your browser yourself. Source the service separate and apart from what is provided in an email or message.
Any requests for money should be treated with caution. Do not prepay someone you have never met for services or products by way of Interac e-transfer or by prepaid gift cards. Do not send currency via Bitcoin ABM to anyone you do not know and trust.
Whenever possible, try to verify requests for information through another channel. For example, you might call your bank at a verified number to double check that a message claiming to be coming from them is legitimate. Remember, most reputable organizations will never ask you to reveal sensitive information through an email or text message.
In the online information age, financial fraud is becoming more complex. It’s easy to be taken in. Fortunately, there’s lots of good information online about how to protect yourself. The Competition Bureau of Canada’s The Little Black Book of Scams has information about the different types of fraud that exist and great tips to help protect yourself.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also has a list of reported frauds and scams, including those associated with the pandemic.
If you suspect a fraud, alert your financial institution immediately. It is also important to report the incident to the local police. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or fill out an online report. By reporting the fraud, you will save other consumers.
Learn more about identity theft, types of fraud and other threats and scams at canada.ca/money.
More info and resources to help you protect against cyber threats at getcybersafe.ca.
Visit www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud, aviva.ca/en/claim/make-a-claim and http://cpacanada.ca/financialliteracy.
SCAMS GALORE!
From IRCC, with files from PEEL POLICE and NEWS CANADA
Newcomer scam. What kinds of fraud should newcomers to Canada watch out for?
When you are new to Canada, you may not be used to how companies or the government does business.
Below are some common scams aimed at newcomers to Canada.
People posing as Government of Canada staff. Someone posing as a government official calls people and tries to scare them by saying they have done something wrong (like not filing proper paperwork), and that they owe fees. They may say the person can lose their immigration status or be deported if they do not pay right away. These people may even threaten someone’s family or home.
Remember Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will never:
Contact you over the telephone to collect fees or fines.
Be aggressive or threaten to arrest or deport you.
Threaten to harm you or a member of your family, or damage your home or property.
Ask for personal information over the phone (except to verify information you have already provided).
Ask for financial information over the phone.
Rush you into paying right away.
Ask you to pay fees using prepaid credit cards, Western Union, Money Gram, gift cards, or any other similar services.
Send police to arrest you for unpaid fees.
If you get a suspicious immigration call, ask for the name of the person calling and then hang up. Call the IRCC call centre to confirm that the call was real.
If you get a suspicious call about taxes, hang up, and then confirm if the call was real by calling the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281.
Note that an agency’s phone number may appear real, but is not. Some scam artists use technology to fake the number, so this is not always proof that a caller is legitimate.
Fake emails. You may get an email trying to convince you to invest money or to give personal information or passwords related to your banking accounts.
Delete it. Legitimate investors don’t send bulk emails to people they do not know.
Watch out for emails from a stranger that direct you to a website that asks for personal information. Never give out personal information unless you know who you are giving it to, and that the website is secure.
If you get this kind of email, don’t click on any links or give any information about yourself. If you have any doubts about where the email came from, make sure to check the identity of the sender.
Fake computer virus. You may get a phone call or email saying that your computer has been infected with a virus. The caller or sender will offer to remove the virus from your computer. The person will try to get your computer passwords and other private information.
Never give access to your computer to someone you didn’t contact for help. You should only have your computer fixed at a professional shop, or install anti-virus software bought from a trusted store.
Fake prizes. If you get a phone or text message that says you won something, but you did not enter a contest, it is probably a scam.
If a text message from a stranger directs you to a form that asks you to enter any personal information, delete the text. Do not enter any information.
If the text tells you to text “STOP” or “NO” so you don’t get more texts, delete it. Do not reply. Scam artists do this to confirm they have a real phone number. Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads). This will let your phone provider block future texts from those numbers. If you think your text message is real, check that the link it is sending you to is the correct website.
Online shopping scam. It’s a common misperception that heavy tech users won’t become victims of online shopping fraud.
But anyone can fall for these tricky scams – in fact, some fraudsters even target techies who let their guard down.
To keep your personal information and your finances safe, follow these tips:
Start with protected devices. Your best defence is having devices and accounts that are set up to withstand malware, viruses and hacking. Update your antivirus software for your phone, tablet and computer. Create strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Make sure your devices and home Wi-Fi network are password protected.
Avoid public connections. Never enter your credit card or personal information on a public computer or using a Wi-Fi hotspot. If you need to shop online when you’re out and about, switch to your own data plan when it’s time to enter your credit card info.
Shop slowly and mindfully. Don’t rush into making a purchase. Many fraudsters create sites that look very similar to legitimate ones, with only one or two letters off, so be sure you’re on the verified webpage. Resist high-pressure sales tactics like pop-up surveys, customer queues, or countdown timers. These are designed to discourage you from taking time to fully understand the offer.
Have a shopping credit card. Experts recommend designating a separate credit card with a low credit limit for online shopping. This way, if your information is compromised and you need to cancel your card, it won’t affect any preauthorized payments.
Be wary of email promos. Watch out for any deals or coupons you receive via email, text or social media. They could be fake. Delete these messages as they can carry viruses that could steal your data and money. If you’re interested in a promotion, type the website into your browser yourself instead of clicking on hyperlinks in the ad.
Electrical contractor scam. The Electrical Safety Authority receives hundreds of anonymous tips of unlicensed contractors performing electrical work in Ontario.
These fraudulent workers put homeowners and their families at risk of electrical shock, fire, and even death.
To help keep you and your family safe, follow these tips:
Hire a professional. You would never trust an uncertified doctor to perform a surgery, so why would you trust an unlicensed contractor to do electrical work in your home?
In Ontario, only a Licensed Electrical Contractor can legally do electrical work for hire, and they will file the necessary notification of work (permit) and provide a Certificate when work is complete.
Do your research. When looking to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor be sure ask for their ECRA/ESA licence number and verify it. This number should be on their work vehicle, business card, and any paper and estimates related to the job. Unlicensed contractors often can be identified by the use of unbranded vehicles with no licence number visible or may falsely use the licence number of another contractor.
Consider the real cost. Someone may do the work cheaply, but consider the real cost if something goes wrong. If a contractor asks you to file a notification of work in your name, offers a discount if you pay them in cash or won’t provide a receipt, they may not be licenced to perform electrical work.
Weight watcher scam. From keto to plant-based to Mediterranean, there are plenty of diet trends out there to choose from. But if you’re considering a wellness and weight-loss shortcut that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Every year, Canadians may be spending their hard-earned money on unproven, fraudulently marketed health products, devices and treatments. Not just for weight loss, these scams often claim to be miracle cures for various ailments.
You can see these scams online, often appearing as sponsored posts on social media or website pop-ups. Some may seem to be endorsed by celebrities or promoted by testimonials from people claiming to have been cured.
Be skeptical. To avoid becoming a victim, it’s important to learn to step back from the alluring ads and discuss their health claims with a health professional. It’s also always a good idea to speak to your doctor before starting any type of diet.
Keep your guard up when ads mention scientific evidence. Just because there’s a doctor in the ad doesn’t mean the product is guaranteed to work. Scam artists often dress models to look like experts.
Remember that there are no magic pills or miracle cures for losing weight quickly or treating serious medical conditions.
Be wary of questionable success stories or patient testimonials. Despite what the company claims, there’s no guarantee that the celebrity or the average mom featured has achieved the advertised results.
A money-back guarantee is no proof that a product works. Do your research on the product and company and consult a health professional if you have any questions.
Mass marketing scam. Then there are mass marketing schemes designed to collect personal information where scammers create a fake company, Discount Zone or Bulk Deals, or some other legit-sounding name, or they can appear almost identical to pre-existing companies in an attempt to defraud an individual. Messages are sent to citizens regarding discounts on all utility bills. They claim to be an authorized dealer with a cash voucher for all new clients, only requesting the individual submit the following details:
Biller holder name, bill account number, billing amount, name of the service provider company, billing address, date of birth, email address
While they claim they are not requesting money in advance, no personal information required, no credit or debit card information, the details above are sufficient to defraud a person.
Identity theft. With new technologies making our personal and financial information more accessible to fraudsters, identity theft is easier than ever.
According to a survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), 70 per cent of us are more concerned about fraud today than we were five years ago. Meanwhile, almost one in five are aware of having been the victims of credit card fraud – the most common type of fraud experienced.
To keep you and your finances safe, it’s important to follow some essential safety tips:
Review your bank statements each month to check for discrepancies. Thieves don’t necessarily make large purchases with stolen information – they may make smaller purchases that are harder to spot, so make sure you monitor your accounts on a regular basis.
Shred personal documents before disposing of them.
Cover the pin pad when at the ATM or cash register.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi to buy anything from retail websites or conduct online banking. Wait until you get home or use your cellphone’s data plan instead.
Set up electronic alerts to notify you of banking activity. Your financial institution can automatically notify you of purchases, payment deadlines and payment posts, enabling you to keep track of all your transactions. These alerts can also tip you off to fraudulent activities like unauthorized payments.
By now, we’ve been exposed to so many scams, it’s easy to think we know the warning signs.
But fraudsters are always finding new ways to outsmart victims. Here are some flags to watch out for:
Social media friend requests. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know. Does their profile look empty or have posts that are very generic? Do they seem to be promising more than friendship? These are some red flags that point to a scam. Delete that request. Check your privacy settings to ensure your profile is protected.
Spelling and grammar mistakes. Be wary of emails, messages or websites that contain misspelled common words, grammar errors that make it difficult to read or expressions that are used incorrectly. Email and web addresses should also be examined closely to see if there are subtle mistakes or differences.
Money transfers. Many scams involve a request to wire money electronically using a money-transfer service. Remember that sending a transfer through these services is like sending cash – once the amount is picked up, it’s almost impossible to get your money back. The same goes for payments requesting to be made with virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, or with gift or gaming cards, like an iTunes gift card.
Deal of a lifetime. Everybody loves a great sale. But shocking offers, unbelievable discounts and unreal rates may signal that the offer isn’t quite what it seems. Ridiculously low prices usually indicate cheap products or counterfeit goods. Free offers may require that you providing provide your credit card for shipping fees. Small tactics like these can lead to big profits for scammers.
In a case of art imitating life, a bunch of young men in a small town in India run a sophisticated phishing racket in the Netflix series Jamtara. Scamming is a burgeoning industry and as scammers become smarter, we have to be ever more vigilant.
• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report fraud, and to find out about other fraud like online dating scams, door-to-door scams and fake bills.
HOW SCAM SAVVY ARE YOU?
March 2021 is the 17th annual Fraud Prevention Month. But scam artists don’t wait for a particular month to strike.
Do you know how to recognize and prevent immigration fraud? Test your knowledge by answering the six true or false questions below:
1. Processing fees are the same in Canada and around the world.
2. You need to hire a lawyer or immigration consultant to help you apply for permanent residence.
3. Using a third-party service provider can help speed up your passport application.
4. IRCC may contact you directly by Facebook or What’s App to make arrangements for you to immigrate to Canada.
5. A Canadian citizen who marries someone for the sole purpose of letting their sponsored spouse or partner immigrate to Canada can be charged with a crime.
6. Bonus question: What kind of consequences can immigration fraud have for victims?
• Identity theft.
• A denied application.
• Stolen bank or credit card information.
• Computer viruses.
• All of the above.
Answers:
1. True. IRCC’s processing fees are in Canadian dollars and they are the same around the world. Processing fees in local currencies are based on the official exchange rates.
2. False. It’s your decision if you want to hire an immigration lawyer or consultant for any IRCC application. Paying a consultant or representative will not speed up your application. All forms and instructions you need to apply to immigrate to Canada are available for free online. If you do want to hire an immigration representative, make sure that the person is authorized.
3. False. No third-party person or group can speed up the processing of your passport application. If you need a Canadian passport ASAP, you must apply in-person at a passport service location.
4. False. IRCC employees will never contact you via social media to make arrangements for you to immigrate to Canada. They will only contact you using an email address that ends in “@gc.ca” or “@Canada.ca”. IRCC may also contact you over the phone to find out more information about your case, but they will never call you to collect money or payments.
5. True. This is known as a marriage of convenience, and it is a type of immigration fraud. Learn more about how to protect yourself against marriage fraud.
6. All of the above. Immigration fraud can have disastrous consequences for victims. Learn how you can prevent fraud and report those who commit it.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
Beware of the smooth online fraudster.
From NEWS CANADA
Many of us are spending a lot more time online as we adopt new ways of tackling everyday tasks – be it working, staying connected, shopping or banking.
Amid a general rise in fraud and cybercrimes associated with the COVID-19, RBC Direct Investing offers a few simple guidelines to help you stay safe.
Be aware of unsolicited calls, emails and texts. Emails or texts can sometimes appear to be from a legitimate source, but contain infected attachments or malicious links. Some red flags are threatening or urgent tones, spelling errors, unknown senders or callers.
Tip: Keep your computer anti-virus and anti-malware programs up to date to help keep files from being corrupted or lost due to a virus.
Watch out for fake websites. Fake websites can spread misinformation or attempt to scam individuals. Red flags to be on the lookout for include spelling errors in web addresses or a missing security symbol in the address bar.
Tips: Look for a lock symbol or an “s” at the end of the "http" in the address bar, which can confirm a site’s security. Don’t enter login information or credit card details unless you are certain a site is legitimate.
Use strong, unique passwords. Strong passwords can help ensure you’re protecting your devices and information. Avoid using the same password for multiple applications or services, and don’t opt for obvious passwords like family or pet names, birthdays and street names.
Tips: Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters with a minimum of eight characters, change passwords regularly and create a new password for every application or service you use.
Keep software and browsers up to date. The operating systems on your devices have built-in security features, but they need to be kept up to date to help avoid breaches of your personal information. The browser you use to search the internet also has its own security settings and requires updating. Though they may be bothersome, don’t ignore prompts to update your operating system or browser.
Tip: Consider enabling automatic updates or try setting a reminder to update your device when you won't be using it.
DON’T FALL FOR THESE COMMON FRAUD SCHEMES!
Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau warned the public of ongoing and common fraud schemes.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam/police or bank employee scam/emergency scam. This involves the suspect calling a victim and pretending to be the CRA or the police warning of an arrest if payment is not received. Alternatively, a “bank employee” requesting assistance to solve an internal fraud or to fix an account problem. A variation includes the caller pretending to be the lawyer of a relative of the victim who has caused a serious car accident and is subsequently in jail and requires bail money.
In all of these, the victim is directed to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ABM or to purchase large amounts of gift cards and directs the victim to provide the numerical information on the card over the telephone.
Rental accommodation frauds. People in search of rental accommodation via buy and sell websites begin corresponding with unknown individuals posing as landlords. The “landlord” requests a deposit in order to hold the rental property and the victim complies by sending an Interac e-transfer as directed by the suspect. As it turns out, the purported rental property does not exist or was not for rent.
Company invoice/paycheque redirect. The victim company receives an email from an individual pretending to be a known customer or employee requesting that funds be paid to a new bank account in relation to an invoice or employee paycheque. The email address utilized by the suspect is slightly different than the authentic email address and this goes undetected by the victim company.
Employment scams. People utilizing online services to obtain employment engage in communication with a person they believe to be their new employer. The victim receives a cheque in the mail and is directed to deposit the cheque into their account and then send money via a Bitcoin ABM or to an account via Interac e-transfer. The victim is held accountable for the money sent to the unknown suspect when the bank determines that the initial cheque deposit was fraudulent.
Investigators would like to remind the public never to send Interac e-transfers prior to receiving a service, product or securing rental accommodation unless dealing with a reputable online service that provides a loss protection guarantee.
Never deposit a cheque from an unknown source into your personal bank account and then transfer or cash the deposit.
Never send money via a Bitcoin ABM if directed to do so by a company or person you don’t know or trust.
Never send cash in the mail or by courier to any person or company you don’t know or trust.