Step 2: Check

Scammers hope you won’t verify the source of their messages or calls. By checking, you can identify what’s real and what’s fake.

A woman sitting at a desk preparing to use a laptop.

Now that you’ve taken a moment to stop, there are ways you can check to see if what you’ve received is real – or a scam. If you’re not sure what to do, you can always check with friends and family, and your financial services or telecom provider.

Check - It Might be a Scam

Some Common Examples And Solutions

1One

You get a call from your bank

Hang up. Call the number on the back of your debit or credit card or log in to your online banking or mobile app. There, you can take steps to verify.

2Two

You’ve clicked to a website

Use trusted sources, like Google, to search for the website of the organization independently of the link you may have received.

3Three

You’ve met someone online

If they start asking for financial help, as difficult as it might be, take a step back and rethink the situation.

4Four

You get a cryptocurrency offer

Use the National Registration Search tool (opens in new tab) from the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) to verify if the person or company is registered to deal in securities.