Scam Protection
Learn to identify and avoid common scams targeting newcomers in Canada.
If you have been scammed, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre immediately:
Common Scams Targeting Newcomers
Click on each scam type to see real examples, red flags, and sample scam messages.
Common Examples
- E-mails que afirmam ser do IRCC pedindo que você pague taxas por meio de cartões-presente ou transferências bancárias
- Consultores 'fantasma' que cobram milhares, mas não são licenciados e enviam solicitações fraudulentas ou nada
- Ligações telefônicas que afirmam que seu processo de imigração tem um problema e você deve pagar imediatamente para evitar a deportação
- Sites falsos do portal do IRCC que roubam suas credenciais de login e informações pessoais
- Chamadas de voz geradas por IA que se passam por agentes do IRCC e soam completamente realistas
- Impersonadores da RCMP ou CBSA alegando que um mandado de prisão foi emitido contra você devido a violações de imigração
- Mensagens de WhatsApp de alguém que afirma ser um funcionário do governo oferecendo para acelerar sua solicitação de PR por uma taxa
- Notificações falsas de DM dizendo que sua permissão de estudo ou trabalho está expirando e você deve renovar através de um link imediatamente
Red Flags
- O IRCC nunca solicita pagamento por cartão-presente, criptomoeda ou transferência bancária
- Ligações ou e-mails não solicitados alegando problemas urgentes com sua solicitação
- Consultores que garantem aprovação ou prometem acelerar o processamento por um pagamento extra
- Solicitações do seu número UCI, cópia do passaporte ou credenciais de login do IRCC por e-mail ou mensagem de texto
- Pressão para pagar imediatamente sem tempo para verificar a identidade ou consultar alguém
- Agentes da RCMP ou CBSA ameaçando prisão por telefone e exigindo pagamento para evitá-la
- Qualquer consultor não listado no registro do CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants)
- Sites com URLs como 'ircc-canada-portal.com' ou 'canada-immigration-services.org' que não são canada.ca
Example Scam Message
"Prezado solicitante, seu processo de imigração IMM-2025-XXXX foi sinalizado para revisão urgente pela Divisão de Segurança do IRCC. Uma suspensão de processamento foi aplicada à sua solicitação de residência permanente devido a documentação incompleta. A falha em pagar a taxa administrativa de liberação de $750 dentro de 24 horas resultará no fechamento automático do processo e possíveis procedimentos de remoção. O pagamento deve ser feito via Interac e-Transfer para: process.ircc.ca@gmail.com. Não entre em contato com o escritório principal do IRCC, pois este assunto está sob revisão confidencial." Isso é um golpe. O IRCC se comunica apenas através da sua conta online segura ou correio oficial para o seu endereço registrado.
Common Examples
- Ofertas de emprego que exigem que você pague por materiais de treinamento, um uniforme ou uma verificação de antecedentes antes de começar
- Trabalhos em casa que pedem para você depositar cheques e transferir dinheiro de volta, deixando você legalmente responsável por fraude
- Empresas pedindo seu SIN, cópia do passaporte e detalhes bancários antes de qualquer entrevista ou oferta formal
- Recrutadores falsos do LinkedIn com perfis polidos oferecendo cargos pagando $50-$100/hora por experiência mínima
- Empresas de marketing multinível (MLM) disfarçadas de oportunidades de emprego regulares
- Serviços de 'assistência' para permissão de trabalho visando Trabalhadores Estrangeiros Temporários, cobrando taxas ilegais
- Golpes de coleta de currículos onde o 'emprego' é falso e seu currículo e SIN são vendidos para ladrões de identidade
- Anúncios de emprego governamentais falsos no Kijiji ou Facebook alegando ser do Service Canada ou do governo federal
Red Flags
- Empregadores legítimos nunca pedem que você pague qualquer taxa para conseguir um emprego
- Ofertas de emprego recebidas sem se candidatar ou sem processo de entrevista
- Pedidos para fornecer informações bancárias ou SIN antes de ser formalmente contratado
- Descrições de trabalho vagas com promessas de salário irrealistas
- Comunicação apenas através de contas pessoais do Gmail ou Hotmail, não de um domínio da empresa
- A oferta exige que você compre e revenda um produto de um estoque que você mesmo compra
- O anúncio de emprego tem erros de gramática ou é copiado e colado de outro anúncio legítimo com detalhes de contato diferentes
- O empregador pressiona você a começar imediatamente e pular verificações de referência ou contratos
Example Scam Message
"Parabéns! Após revisar seu perfil no Indeed, gostaríamos de oferecer a você uma posição de Gerente de Atendimento ao Cliente Remoto por $42/hora com benefícios completos. Antes da sua data de início oficial, você precisará concluir uma verificação de antecedentes obrigatória ($150) e comprar seu pacote de equipamentos para trabalho em casa ($350) de nosso fornecedor certificado. Ambos são totalmente reembolsados em seu primeiro contracheque. Por favor, confirme respondendo com seu nome completo, data de nascimento, SIN e endereço residencial." Nenhum empregador legítimo pede que você pague qualquer dinheiro antes de começar a trabalhar. O reembolso nunca acontece.
Common Examples
- Anúncios 'fantasma': propriedades que não existem ou não estão para alugar, usadas apenas para coletar depósitos
- Aluguéis 'isca e troca': a unidade anunciada está indisponível, mas uma opção pior e mais cara é oferecida quando você chega
- Proprietários que afirmam estar no exterior e não podem mostrar a propriedade, pedindo aluguel para 'garantir a unidade'
- Sublocações listadas sem o conhecimento ou permissão do proprietário, o que significa que você não tem locação legal
- Empresas de gestão de propriedades falsas com sites profissionais que coletam o primeiro e o último mês de aluguel e depois desaparecem
- Anúncios duplicados copiados do Zillow ou Rentals.ca com informações de contato diferentes e um preço mais baixo
- Pedidos de aluguel de um ano inteiro adiantado com um 'desconto' antes de você assinar um contrato de aluguel formal
- Golpistas que mostram uma unidade real, pegam seu depósito e depois mostram a mesma unidade para outras cinco pessoas
Red Flags
- Aluguel significativamente abaixo da taxa de mercado para o bairro, mesmo por $300 ou mais
- O proprietário se recusa ou não consegue mostrar a propriedade pessoalmente antes do pagamento
- Pedidos de pagamento por transferência bancária, e-Transfer para uma conta pessoal ou criptomoeda
- Pressão para decidir imediatamente porque muitos outros estão interessados
- Nenhum contrato de aluguel formal ou recusa em fornecê-lo antes do pagamento
- O proprietário afirma ser um missionário, oficial militar ou trabalhador humanitário no exterior
- A propriedade está listada em várias plataformas com preços diferentes e fotos ligeiramente diferentes
- O proprietário pede para você enviar o aluguel via Facebook Pay, Zelle ou criptomoeda para evitar taxas
Example Scam Message
"Lindo apartamento de 2 quartos perto do centro de Vancouver, $1.100/mês, utilidades incluídas. Atualmente estou fazendo trabalho humanitário no exterior e não posso me encontrar pessoalmente. O apartamento é gerenciado pelo meu assistente de propriedade que pode deixá-lo entrar após a confirmação do pagamento. Por favor, envie o aluguel do primeiro mês ($1.100) via e-Transfer para confirmar seu interesse. Enviarei as chaves e o contrato de aluguel via FedEx em 48 horas. Aja rapidamente, pois tive muitas consultas." Nunca pague aluguel sem ver a propriedade pessoalmente e assinar um contrato de aluguel por escrito. Isso é um golpe clássico.
Common Examples
- Chamadas automáticas ou ao vivo alegando que você deve impostos atrasados e que um mandado de prisão foi emitido contra você
- Ameaças de deportação imediata se você não pagar a 'dívida fiscal' imediatamente
- Exigências de pagamento via cartões-presente do iTunes, cartões Google Play, Bitcoin ou transferência bancária
- Mensagens de texto com links para páginas de login falsas da CRA que roubam suas credenciais e SIN
- E-mails de phishing falsos de reembolso da CRA alegando '$1.247 de reembolso está pronto, atualize seus detalhes bancários'
- Comprovantes T4 falsos ou cartas de benefícios enviados para seu endereço para fazer o golpe parecer mais legítimo
- Impersonadores da CRA que já sabem seu nome e endereço, fazendo a ligação parecer real
Red Flags
- A CRA nunca ameaça prisão ou deportação por telefone por impostos não pagos
- A CRA nunca exige pagamento por cartões-presente, criptomoeda ou cartões pré-pagos Visa
- Linguagem agressiva e ameaçadora projetada para criar pânico e impedi-lo de pensar claramente
- O identificador de chamadas pode ser falsificado para mostrar 1-800-959-8281 (o número real da CRA), então o identificador de chamadas não prova nada
- A CRA não pedirá informações pessoais por e-mail, mensagem de texto ou uma ligação não verificada
- A correspondência real da CRA chega por correio ao seu endereço registrado, não por ligação telefônica urgente
- Você é instruído a não contar à sua família, advogado ou contador sobre a ligação
Example Scam Message
"Aqui é o Oficial David Mitchell ligando da divisão de fiscalização da Canada Revenue Agency. Nossos registros mostram que você cometeu fraude fiscal nos valores de $4.200 nos últimos dois anos. Este é o seu aviso final antes de emitirmos um mandado de prisão através da RCMP. Para resolver este assunto hoje e evitar a prisão, você deve comprar $4.200 em cartões-presente do Google Play e nos ligar de volta com os números dos cartões. Você tem duas horas para cumprir. Não entre em contato com um advogado, pois esta é uma investigação criminal." A CRA não opera dessa forma sob nenhuma circunstância. Desligue e ligue para 1-800-959-8281 em canada.ca para verificar o status real da sua conta.
Common Examples
- Mensagens SMS de phishing fingindo ser do TD, RBC ou Scotiabank pedindo para você verificar sua conta
- Ligações alegando atividade suspeita em sua conta, pedindo seu número de cartão e PIN para confirmar sua identidade
- Golpe do neto: golpistas fingem ser seu neto na prisão e precisam de dinheiro para fiança enviado imediatamente
- Golpes românticos que eventualmente levam a um pedido de e-Transfer para uma passagem aérea ou emergência
- Golpes falsos do CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation)
Red Flags
- O banco pede seu número completo do cartão, PIN ou senha do banco online por telefone ou por e-mail
- Ligações ou mensagens de texto não solicitadas do seu 'banco' pedindo para você clicar em um link ou verificar detalhes pessoais
- Pedidos para enviar dinheiro para você mesmo via e-Transfer para 'cancelar' uma transação fraudulenta
- Alguém que você conheceu online (aplicativo de namoro, mídia social) pede dinheiro para uma emergência ou viagem
- Você recebe um e-Transfer com um valor maior do que o esperado e é solicitado a devolver a diferença
- Sua conta bancária mostra transações incomuns que você não fez, e você não compartilhou seu cartão/PIN
- Você recebe uma mensagem de texto dizendo que sua conta bancária está bloqueada e para clicar em um link para desbloqueá-la
Example Scam Message
"Prezado cliente, sua conta TD foi temporariamente bloqueada devido a atividade incomum. Por favor, verifique sua identidade imediatamente clicando neste link: td-security-verify.com. A falha em fazê-lo resultará no fechamento permanente da conta." Este é um golpe de phishing. Nunca clique em links em mensagens de texto ou e-mails suspeitos. Sempre acesse diretamente o site ou aplicativo oficial do seu banco.
Common Examples
- A phone call using your child's cloned voice saying they are in jail and need bail money immediately
- A video call from someone who looks and sounds exactly like a government official, requesting document verification
- Perfectly written phishing emails generated by AI with no grammar errors and exact corporate branding
- Deepfake videos of celebrities or government officials promoting cryptocurrency investments
- AI-generated voice of a 'bank manager' calling to help you 'resolve fraud' on your account
- WhatsApp voice messages cloned from a friend's voice asking for an urgent e-Transfer
- Fake video proof-of-identity where the scammer uses a deepfake face during a video call
Red Flags
- Extreme urgency combined with a request for money, no matter how real the voice sounds
- The caller insists on secrecy and asks you not to contact the real person to verify
- Slight audio artifacts, unnatural blinking in video, or lip sync that is slightly off
- The person contacts you through an unusual channel, like a new WhatsApp number
- They cannot answer a specific personal question only the real person would know
- The story involves a sudden emergency that requires immediate untraceable payment
- Deepfake videos of public figures endorsing investments rarely appear on official channels
Example Scam Message
You receive a WhatsApp call. Your mother's voice says: "It's me. I had an accident at the mall and the other driver is demanding $3,000 in cash or they will press charges. I cannot reach your dad. Please send $3,000 to this number right now and I will explain everything when I get home. Please hurry." Before sending any money, hang up and call your mother back on her known phone number from your contacts. If someone truly cannot answer their own phone in an emergency, that is a sign the caller is not who they claim to be.
Common Examples
- Facebook Marketplace listings for phones, furniture, or electronics that require e-Transfer upfront and never arrive
- Instagram or TikTok ads showing screenshots of huge investment gains, leading to pig butchering crypto scams
- Fake government benefit ads on Facebook claiming unclaimed CERB or CCB payments
- Accounts impersonating WelcomeAide, MOSAIC, or other settlement agencies asking newcomers to pay for services
- WhatsApp groups promising passive income from a 'government-approved investment program'
- Facebook groups for newcomers where scammers pose as members and offer fake jobs or rentals
- Instagram DMs from accounts with stolen photos of real people, building fake relationships before asking for money
Red Flags
- Seller insists on e-Transfer before you can view or pick up the item
- Account has very few posts or followers but is promoting a high-value item or investment opportunity
- The ad shows government logos but the page is not an official government Facebook page (look for verified blue checkmarks)
- Investment opportunity promises 20 to 50 percent monthly returns with screenshots as proof
- Settlement agency account that charges fees for services that are always free at real agencies
- The person pressures you to move the conversation from the platform to WhatsApp or Telegram
Example Scam Message
A Facebook ad shows: "Canadian government unclaimed benefits for newcomers 2025. You may be eligible for up to $4,800 in settlement assistance. Claim your payment before December 31st. Click here." The link goes to a form that collects your SIN, banking details, and address. No such program exists. Government benefit programs are accessed at canada.ca, never through Facebook ads that require your banking information.
Common Examples
- SIM swapping: scammer convinces your carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card they control
- Fake Rogers or Bell calls claiming you have won a free phone upgrade and need to verify your account
- Text messages saying your number will be suspended unless you call a number to verify your identity
- CRTC impersonation calls claiming you owe fines for illegal downloads and must pay immediately
- Prize scam texts saying you won a gift card and must call a number or click a link to claim it
- Robocalls claiming your SIN has been suspended due to criminal activity linked to your phone number
- Fake carrier customer service that asks for your account PIN and personal information
Red Flags
- Your phone suddenly loses service for no apparent reason (may indicate SIM swap is in progress)
- Unexpected texts from your carrier about account changes you did not make
- A caller claiming to be from your phone provider asks for your account PIN or SIN over the phone
- Text prize notifications that ask you to call a number or pay a fee to claim your prize
- CRTC or government agency threatening a fine over the phone related to your phone number
- Robocall says your SIN has been suspended, which is not something that can happen
Example Scam Message
You receive a text: "ROGERS: Your account is under review due to suspicious activity. To avoid service suspension, please verify your account immediately at rogers-account-verify.com or call 1-800-XXX-XXXX." Simultaneously, you notice your phone has no signal. A scammer has called Rogers, pretended to be you using information from a data breach, and convinced them to move your number to a new SIM card. Now they have access to your banking SMS verification codes. Call your carrier immediately using the number on their official website if your phone loses service unexpectedly.
Common Examples
- Fake offer letters from real universities, obtained by submitting fraudulent applications through unlicensed agents
- Diploma mills: schools that issue degrees and diplomas without real education or accreditation
- Fake scholarship websites that charge application fees of $50 to $200 for scholarships that do not exist
- Unauthorized IRCC study permit services that take money but submit incorrect or no applications
- Fake tuition refund scams targeting students who have withdrawn, claiming CRA owes them money back
- Agents who guarantee a study permit for a fee, which is impossible since IRCC makes all decisions
- Fake English proficiency test centers that sell fraudulent IELTS or TOEFL certificates
Red Flags
- Admission offer received without submitting a full application through the school's official portal
- School is not listed on the IRCC Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list at canada.ca
- Scholarship requires an application fee or your banking details to receive the award
- Study permit agent guarantees approval, which no one outside IRCC can promise
- School has no accreditation from a recognized provincial education authority
- English test certificate offered for a fee without taking the actual test
- Tuition refund offer requires you to pay a processing fee first to receive your refund
Example Scam Message
"Congratulations! Global Canadian University is pleased to offer you admission to the Bachelor of Business Administration program starting September 2025. As our international intake is limited, please pay the $3,000 enrollment deposit within 7 days to secure your spot. Upon deposit, we will begin processing your IRCC study permit application. We have a 98% study permit approval rate for our students." Always verify the school on the IRCC DLI list before paying any deposit. A real accredited university never pressures students with 7-day deadlines on acceptance offers.
Common Examples
- Fake OHIP or provincial health card offers claiming faster coverage in exchange for a fee
- Unauthorized supplement sellers targeting newcomer communities with miracle cure claims in their language
- Fake COVID-related health benefit programs promising payments to people who 'register' their vaccination status
- Scammers claiming they can extend or restore your health coverage that has lapsed for a fee
- Online pharmacies selling counterfeit medications at very low prices
- Alternative practitioners charging thousands for unproven treatments targeting people with serious illnesses
- Fake denture or vision clinics that charge seniors and newcomers upfront for treatments never delivered
Red Flags
- No government in Canada charges a fee for provincial health card registration. It is always free
- Any supplement claiming to cure, treat, or prevent a disease is making an illegal health claim in Canada
- Health benefit programs are accessed through official government websites, never through paid third parties
- Practitioners offering guaranteed cures for serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or chronic pain
- Online pharmacies without a Canadian pharmacy license or physical address
- Anyone claiming you need to pay extra to maintain or expedite your provincial health coverage
Example Scam Message
You receive a flyer in your mailbox, in your language: "NEW ARRIVALS: Get your Ontario health card processed in 2 weeks instead of 3 months. Our service fee is $350. We handle all paperwork. Call now for your appointment." Provincial health cards are applied for free at ServiceOntario or equivalent provincial offices. Processing times are set by the government and cannot be expedited through a third party. This is a scam.
Common Examples
- Fake CCB overpayment notices demanding immediate repayment by e-Transfer or gift card
- Scam calls claiming your CERB or EI payments were issued in error and must be repaid immediately
- Fake provincial benefit offers claiming you qualify for a one-time settlement grant of $2,500
- Texts about unclaimed government stimulus cheques requiring banking details to claim
- Fake agents offering to apply for all government benefits on your behalf for a $500 processing fee
- Emails claiming your GST or HST credit direct deposit failed and you need to update banking details
- Calls claiming your OAS, CPP, or GIS payments have been suspended due to an investigation
Red Flags
- CRA and Service Canada never contact you by text message requesting banking information
- Government benefit repayment requests always come by official mail, not urgent phone calls
- No legitimate government program charges a fee to apply for benefits on your behalf
- Real benefit overpayment notices come with a formal explanation and 30-day response period
- Any message claiming a one-time newcomer grant is available but requires a fee to claim
- Government agencies never accept repayment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or e-Transfer to a personal account
Example Scam Message
"SERVICE CANADA: Our records show you received an overpayment of $1,847 in CERB benefits in 2020. Failure to repay within 48 hours will result in a 15% penalty and legal action. To repay and avoid additional charges, e-Transfer $1,847 to: service.canada.repayment@outlook.com immediately." Real Service Canada overpayment notices arrive by registered mail with a 30-day window to respond or set up a repayment plan. The repayment is made through your CRA My Account or by mailing a cheque to the Receiver General of Canada, never by e-Transfer to a Gmail or Outlook address.
Common Examples
- Fake Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that accept tuition but provide no accredited education
- Agents guaranteeing study permit approval for an extra fee beyond standard application costs
- Scholarship scams requiring an application fee or personal banking information
- Fake co-op or work placement programs that charge large upfront fees with no real placement
- Agents who submit fraudulent applications with forged documents without the student's knowledge
Red Flags
- School is not on the official IRCC DLI list at canada.ca
- Guaranteed visa or permit approval: no private individual or company can guarantee this
- Large upfront fees for placement or scholarship applications
- Poor online presence, no physical campus, or unverifiable provincial accreditation
- Agent asks you to sign forms you are not allowed to read first
- Offer letter contains grammar errors or is on template paper rather than official school letterhead
Example Scam Message
"Enroll at Canadian Global Institute of Technology. We offer guaranteed study permit approval and a direct pathway to PR through our PGW program. Pay the $4,500 enrollment fee now to secure your seat. Study permits processed in 3 weeks!" Always verify any school on the IRCC DLI list at canada.ca before paying any amount. Study permit processing times are set by IRCC and cannot be expedited by a private institution.
Common Examples
- Online relationships that escalate quickly with intense emotional language and professions of love within days
- Partner claims to need money for an emergency, medical bills, or a plane ticket to come visit you
- Requests to receive and forward packages or money transfers, making you an unwitting money mule
- Refusal to video call or consistent excuses: bad camera, poor internet, always working night shifts
- Partner introduces a profitable investment opportunity after establishing emotional trust
- Deepfake video calls that appear to show a real attractive person but are AI-generated in real time
Red Flags
- Relationship moves unusually fast with overwhelming compliments and intense declarations of love
- Person claims to be military, engineer, doctor, or oil rig worker always working overseas
- Every planned meeting is cancelled due to a sudden emergency or family crisis
- Requests for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for any reason
- Cannot make a spontaneous live video call at a moment you choose
- Reverse image search of their photo returns results from other profiles or stock photo sites
Example Scam Message
After six weeks of daily conversation on a dating app, your new partner writes: "I know this is hard to ask, but my daughter is in the hospital and I have a hold on my overseas bank account. I will pay you back double as soon as I land. I just need $4,000 right now. I would do the same for you. We have something real here and I cannot lose you." This is a classic romance scam pattern. Never send money to someone you have not met in person multiple times, regardless of how deep the connection feels.
Common Examples
- A new contact on social media mentions an insider crypto investment opportunity with guaranteed returns
- Fake trading platforms showing large profits on your dashboard that you can see but not access
- Small test withdrawals that succeed to build trust before the pressure to invest much larger amounts
- Romance partners who, after weeks of building trust, want to share an investment opportunity with you
- Referrals to a platform that requires a 15% tax payment before you can withdraw your gains
- Fake customer service representatives who offer to help you withdraw but require fees each time
Red Flags
- Unsolicited investment tips through WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or dating apps
- Guaranteed high returns with low risk: this does not exist in any legitimate investment
- Platform not registered with Canadian Securities Administrators at securities-administrators.ca
- Tax or fee required before withdrawal: legitimate platforms withhold taxes automatically
- Unable to withdraw funds for any reason after depositing
- The platform app was installed through a link, not the official Apple App Store or Google Play
Example Scam Message
A new friend on WhatsApp says: "I have been using this trading platform my uncle recommended and made $40,000 last month. Let me show you how to set it up. Just start with $500 to test it." Two weeks later, your dashboard shows $8,400. You are told to deposit $15,000 to activate a trading bonus. When you try to withdraw everything, you are told you must pay a 15% capital gains tax upfront ($3,500) before the funds can be released. You pay it, but then they say your account needs to be verified with another $2,000. This process continues until you run out of money or refuse to pay. The platform and all profits are completely fake.
Common Examples
- A call using your child's cloned voice saying they are in a car accident and need bail money
- Your parent's voice saying they are stuck in a foreign country and need emergency funds
- The grandparent scam updated with AI: a caller sounds exactly like your grandchild in trouble
- A voice message from a friend's cloned voice claiming they were mugged and need an e-Transfer
- A call using your sibling's voice claiming they need to borrow money for rent urgently
Red Flags
- Extreme urgency and emotional pressure combined with a request for untraceable payment
- The caller insists on secrecy and asks you not to contact anyone else including the real person
- Story involves police, lawyers, or hospitals demanding immediate cash payment
- Caller is reluctant to stay on the line or give you time to think or verify
- Voice sounds real but the person does not know recent personal details only the real person would know
- Payment method is e-Transfer to a new number, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
Example Scam Message
You receive a call. Your son's voice says: "Dad, I am so sorry. I was in an accident and I hit another car. The driver is really angry and says he will press charges unless I pay him $2,500 right now in cash. I am at a gas station on Boundary Road. Please do not tell mom. Can you Interac transfer it to his number? I will explain everything when I get home. Please hurry." Before sending anything, hang up and call your son directly on his phone number in your contacts. If he answers, the other call was a scam. If he cannot answer, call another family member to check. Establish a family emergency code word to use in exactly these situations.
Common Examples
- Texts claiming 'Your CRA tax refund of $847 is ready. Click to claim before it expires'
- Emails saying your CCB or GST credit could not be deposited and you need to update your banking information
- Fake Service Canada messages about unclaimed EI or CPP payments requiring banking verification
- Links to websites that look exactly like canada.ca but have slightly different URLs
- Climate Action Incentive payment scams claiming you have uncollected quarterly payments
Red Flags
- CRA and Service Canada send notifications through your secure online account, not by SMS or email with links
- The URL contains canada.ca within a longer address like 'cra-benefits.ca-refund-portal.net'
- Any request for banking information, SIN, or card numbers through a link in a message
- Urgent language: 'Claim within 48 hours or your refund expires'
- The message arrives as a text, which CRA does not use to notify you of refunds
- The email comes from a Gmail, Hotmail, or non-government domain
Example Scam Message
"CRA Alert: Your 2024 tax refund of $1,243.00 is ready for deposit. Your direct deposit information on file appears invalid. To receive your refund, update your banking information at: cra-refund-canada.com/update within 72 hours or your refund will be held for 12 months." The real CRA website is canada.ca. When CRA cannot deposit a refund, they mail a cheque to your address on file. They do not send you to an external website to update banking details.
Common Examples
- Movers who provide a very low online quote but charge three to five times more on moving day
- Companies that demand full payment upfront, load your belongings, and disappear
- Movers who load your items, drive away, and refuse to deliver until you pay inflated fees
- Fake reviews and professional-looking websites with no physical address or business registration number
- Moving companies with no CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration) operating illegally
Red Flags
- Quote is significantly below all other companies: this is a warning sign, not a deal
- Company refuses to provide a binding written estimate before the move
- No physical business address, no BBB listing, no verifiable business registration
- Demands full cash or e-Transfer payment before the move begins
- Movers refuse to let you see the final invoice before they load your belongings
- No information about CVOR number or cargo insurance provided
Example Scam Message
"We quoted you $400 for your move based on the information provided. However, having assessed the actual volume of your belongings, the final cost is $2,800 due to additional labor and distance charges. Your belongings are secured in our truck and will be delivered to your new address upon receipt of the full payment. We accept cash or e-Transfer only." Get binding written quotes from at least three registered movers. Check every moving company on the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) before booking. Verify they have a CVOR number for any move crossing provincial lines.