What is email fraud, phishing or spearphishing, SEO poisoning, or SMS phishing?

Phishing is a scam where fraudsters attempt to acquire personal and/or financial information like passwords, card numbers, etc., by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business through electronic communications. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message, although phone contact has been used as well.

In some instances, the fraudster sends authentic-looking emails or text messages (smishing) that appear to come from legitimate companies, requesting recipients to disclose personal and/or financial information that is later used to commit fraud.

Be suspicious if you receive a notification you weren’t expecting that money has been sent via Interac e–Transfer. Contact the sender to confirm. If you can’t confirm, please forward the notification to phishing@interac.ca immediately.