Don’t Get Hooked: How to Avoid Common Scams and What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

Scams are everywhere in Canada, and they’re getting more sophisticated every year. From fake tech support calls to investment cons, fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to steal people’s hard-earned money. Seniors are often targeted the most — but anyone can fall victim.

At 519 Tech Services, we regularly see people come in after being tricked by fraudsters who pretended to be from banks, the CRA, or even “tech support.” It’s heartbreaking — but knowledge truly is power. By understanding how these scams work and what red flags to watch for, you can protect yourself and those around you.

This post focuses on four of the most common scams affecting Canadians today:

• Phishing
• Fake tech support scams
• Phone impersonation scams
• Cryptocurrency scams

We’ll also walk through what to do if you suspect you’ve been scammed, including why you should visit your bank in person — not call — and how to report it to Canadian authorities.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing is when scammers send emails or texts that look like they’re from trusted organizations — Banks, Canada Post, Netflix, Norton or McAfee Antivirus, or even the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — trying to get you to click a link or share personal info.

Common signs of phishing

• Urgent or threatening tone: “Your account will be locked!” or “You owe money to the CRA.” or "You have an overdue invoice" 
• Suspicious links or attachments: The web address looks off, with misspellings or extra characters.
• Requests for personal details: Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords or banking info by email or text.

How to protect yourself

• Never click links in messages that seem suspicious. Instead, open a new browser tab and go directly to the official website.
• Don’t download attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify the message by contacting the organization using an official phone number from their website — not the one in the message.
• Report phishing emails to your email provider and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

2. Fake Tech Support Scams

In this scam, someone calls or sends a popup warning that your computer or phone is “infected.” They claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another major tech company and say you need to let them remotely access your device to fix it — for a fee.

Warning signs

• Unsolicited calls or messages about “viruses” or “errors.”
• Pop-up windows with phone numbers to call.
• Requests for remote access or payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

What to do

• Hang up immediately. Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP will never cold-call you about security problems.
• Never allow remote access to your device unless you initiated the contact with a verified, trusted company.
• If you already gave access, disconnect your device from the internet and have it checked by a reputable technician.
• If you paid them, visit your bank in person to explain the situation. Do not call phone numbers from your statements — scammers can spoof those too.

3. Phone Impersonation Scams

Scammers use fake caller IDs to pretend they’re from the CRA, police, banks, or even family members in distress.

Common scams

• CRA/Service Canada calls: Claiming you owe back taxes or that your SIN is compromised. The CRA will never demand payment by e-transfer, Bitcoin, or gift card.
• “Grandparent” scams: Someone pretends to be your grandchild or a lawyer, saying a loved one is in trouble and needs cash or bail money right away.
• Bank fraud calls: Someone pretending to be from your bank tells you to transfer funds to a “safe” account.

How to protect yourself

• Hang up and call your bank or the CRA directly using a number you look up yourself.
• Never send money or provide banking details based on a phone call.
• Be wary of secrecy: If the caller tells you not to tell anyone, that’s a red flag.

4. Cryptocurrency Scams

Crypto scams have exploded in Canada. Fraudsters promise quick profits through fake investments or ask victims to pay “fees” or “taxes” using Bitcoin or other coins.

Typical examples

• Investment scams: Someone online promises to double your money with “guaranteed returns.” Someone reaches out posing as an investment manager at an investment company.
• Impersonation scams: You’re told by a fake bank or government agent to move money into crypto “for safety.”
• Romance scams: A new online “friend” or “partner” encourages you to invest in crypto together and offers to teach you.

Protect yourself

• Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. No legitimate company or agency in Canada will ever require it.
• Ignore “get rich quick” offers. There are no guaranteed crypto profits.
• Never invest based on advice from someone you met online.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

1. Stop all communication with the scammer. Don’t reply to texts, emails, or calls.
2. Visit your bank branch in person immediately. Tell staff you believe you’ve been scammed and bring any details you have (emails, screenshots, receipts). Do not call the number in emails or messages — scammers can spoof those too.
3. Change all passwords on your online accounts (banking, email, etc.).
4. Run antivirus software or have your device checked by a trusted technician.
5. Report the scam to:
   • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
   • Your local police (for a case number and to document the incident)
   • The CRA if your tax information was shared: 1-800-959-8281
6. Warn family and friends. Talking about it helps others stay safe — scammers often target victims’ contacts next.

A Special Warning: “Recovery” Scams

After being scammed, many Canadians are contacted again by fraudsters pretending to be investigators or recovery specialists. They promise to “get your money back” — sometimes even claiming to be from the RCMP, the CAFC, or your bank — but they demand upfront payment for “legal fees,” “taxes,” or “processing.”

This is just another scam. Once you’ve been defrauded, never pay anyone who claims they can recover your lost funds. Legitimate agencies will never charge money to investigate or recover losses.

If you receive such a call or email:

• Do not engage.
• Report it to the CAFC and your local police.

Final Thoughts

Canadians lose hundreds of millions of dollars each year to scams — but most of these crimes can be stopped by awareness and caution.

• The CRA, your bank, or any government agency will never demand payment over the phone or in cryptocurrency.
• It’s okay to hang up, delete the message, or walk away if something feels off.
• If you ever do get caught in a scam, go straight to your bank in person and report it right away.

Let’s keep our community informed and protect one another. Share this guide with seniors, family, and neighbours — because the best defence against fraud is an educated public.