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Protect yourself from fraud: Stay safe with every transaction
Learn how to recognize common scams, protect your money and personal information, and take practical steps to stay safe in everyday online transactions.
Do you suspect you’ve been the target of digital fraud? If you need help with a transaction you’re not sure about, contact your bank or financial institution directly.
The ‘Three S’ approach to defending against scams
Fraud can happen to anyone, but you have the power to protect yourself. A few core principles can help you identify and avoid common scams. At Interac, we call it the Three S Approach:
STOP
STOPTake a moment to stop, think and follow your instincts.
Scammers will often create urgency or play on your emotions to get you to make quick decisions. Taking a moment to stop and think can be the difference between staying safe and falling victim.
Pro tip: Take a breath and step away if needed. Give yourself time to think before clicking, sending or sharing anything.
SCRUTINIZE
Assess the situation and look for the telltale signs of a scam.
Examine the request carefully. If someone is asking for personal information they should already have, or if the request feels unusual, unsolicited or suspicious, treat it as a red flag. Scammers often rely on urgency, emotional pressure or offers that seem too good to be true.
Pro tip: Verify the details. Double-check names and phone numbers and check for errors like spelling, strange links or overly generic greetings.
SPEAK UP
Confirm the validity and report any concerns.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take action. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or scared: Lots of people, of all ages and walks of life, have been the targets of digital fraud. Reporting your experience can protect you and help prevent others from being targeted.
Pro tip: Speak up and report it. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and inform the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.
Can you spot these 10 common scams?
Knowledge is your most powerful protection against online fraud. Protect yourself by getting familiar with some of the evolving digital fraud attempts that are making the rounds. Understanding the common tactics scammers use can help you avoid falling victim.
See moreHow to protect your everyday transactions
Because fraudsters look for opportunities in everyday moments, everyday transactions — like sending money or shopping online — come with potential risks. Stay ahead of scams with these practical safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your personal information.
Staying safe when using online marketplaces
Online marketplaces offer convenience for buying and selling, but pose risks if payments and exchanges aren't handled securely. Using Interac e-Transfer can help by giving you a secure, direct way to send or receive money.
Tips for safer marketplace transactions:
- Meet in a safe location: Choose a public well-lit place and bring a friend if possible.
- Watch for overpayment scams: If someone sends you more than the agreed amount and asks for the difference back, it’s likely fraud.
- Limit personal details: Don’t share unnecessary personal information like your home address or banking details.
- Beware of offers that seem too good to be true: Like free gifts or concert tickets.
- Try before you buy: Don’t pay for anything you haven’t seen and verified. And (if applicable) make sure it works, too.
Secure your transactions: Spotting email fraud and phishing
Phishing emails often look like they’re from your bank, a government agency or a trusted business, but they’re really designed to steal your personal information. With the Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit feature set up, your funds are deposited automatically without clicking links or answering security questions, reducing exposure to phishing attempts.
Tips to spot email fraud:
- Check the sender’s email address: Keep an eye out for subtle misspellings, unusual domains or addresses that don’t match the supposed sender.
- Look for generic greetings: Scammers often use “Dear Customer” or “Valued User” instead of your name.
- Beware of urgency: Scammers often try to evoke action by creating a false sense of urgency, using phrases such as “your account is being suspended!” or “you must act now”.
- Never share personal info: Legitimate organizations will never ask for your password, PIN or full card number. If in doubt, contact the organization directly through a different channel.
Protect yourself in the digital world
Discover insights into common scams, learn how to identify digital fraud, and explore resources for protecting your personal data through digital security checkups.
Get more fraud information from trusted sources
If you think you may have been a target or victim of digital fraud, report it to your local police force and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. More resources:
Stay ahead of scams
Keep up to date with the latest insights and tips to protect your finances and personal information. Sign up for our newsletter:
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