Types Of Fraud
This fraud involves taking money or property from an older adult through deception
What is Elder Financial Abuse?
Occasionally, governments announce grants or relief programs offering financial aid or benefits, particularly during crises. The simplicity of the application process or the promise of free money can make people skeptical
What is a gift. Government grants and relief programs.
Never share this over the phone unless you initiated the call.
What is your personal or banking information?
You receive an email from your bank asking you to verify your account information by clicking on a link. What should you do?
Do not click on any links or provide personal information. Instead, contact your bank directly using a known and trusted phone number to verify the request.
You meet someone online who quickly professes love and asks for money.
What is a romance scam?
This type of fraud involves someone pretending to be a grandchild in trouble.
What is the Grandparent Scam?
You receive an email or text claiming you’ve won a large sum of money in an international lottery or sweepstakes. To claim the prize, you need to pay a processing fee or provide personal details like your Social Security number.
What is a grift. Scammers use the promise of easy winnings to lure victims, but it’s important to remember that you cannot win a lottery you never entered, and legitimate lotteries will not request fees upfront.
Use this type of password to protect your accounts
What is a strong or complex password?
You get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild in trouble and needing money urgently. What should you do?
Verify the caller's identity by asking questions only your grandchild would know. Contact other family members to confirm the situation before sending any money.
You get an email with spelling errors asking for your banking login.
What is a phishing scam?
Someone calls pretending to be from the CRA asking for immediate payment.
What is a Government Impersonation Scam?
You receive an unsolicited call or email promoting an investment opportunity that promises a 100% return on your money within weeks—with zero risk involved.
What is a grift. The scammer may use sophisticated charts, fake testimonials, and official-sounding jargon to make the offer seem legitimate. Remember, legitimate investments always involve some degree of risk, and guarantees of high returns are a common fraud tactic.
Review this regularly to check for unfamiliar charges.
What is your bank or credit card statement?
You find an unfamiliar charge on your credit card statement. What should you do?
Contact your credit card company immediately to report the charge and dispute it. Monitor your account for any further unauthorized transactions.
You receive a cheque for too much money and are asked to send back the extra.
What is a fake cheque scam?
Fraudsters trick people into investing in fake opportunities
What is an Investment Scam?
You receive a call or email claiming you are eligible for a special government grant—no application necessary. They say all you need to do is provide your banking information so they can deposit the funds directly into your account.
What is a grift. Government grants typically require applications and thorough vetting, and no legitimate entity would ask for sensitive financial information upfront.
According to Canadian anti-fraud agencies, this is the #1 way to stop fraud.
What is reporting it?
You receive a message on social media from someone you don't know, offering you a great investment opportunity. What should you do?
Be cautious and do not provide any personal or financial information. Research the investment opportunity and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions
You’re told to pay a fee in gift cards to fix a tech issue
What is a tech support scam?
A scammer claims you’ve won a big prize but need to pay fees first.
What is a Lottery or Sweepstakes Scam?
A social media message claims to offer exclusive stock market tips that are not available to the general public. The sender insists on urgency, claiming that you must act immediately to capitalize on the opportunity before it’s gone. They may ask you to pay a subscription fee or invest directly.
What is a grift. Legitimate financial experts will never promise insider access to stock tips, as such practices are unethical and illegal
What steps can you take to secure your online accounts?
what is secure their online accounts by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating their security settings.
You receive a call from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), threatening you with arrest if you don't pay a supposed tax debt immediately. What should you do?
Do not provide any personal or financial information. The CRA does not make such threats over the phone. Hang up and contact the CRA directly using a known and trusted phone number to verify the claim.
A caller pressures you to act immediately or face legal trouble.
What is a scare tactic or high-pressure scam?