Scam Prevention 101: How to Recognize and Stop Fraud in Ontario
Phone and email scams have become more sophisticated, and Ontario residents—both young and old—are frequently targeted. As a paralegal, I see how these scams impact individuals, from financial loss to identity theft. Understanding how scammers operate and knowing your legal rights can help you protect yourself and take action if you're a victim.
This guide will walk you through:
The most common phone and email scams in Ontario,
Recent scam trends to be aware of,
How to recognize and avoid scams,
What to do if you've been targeted, and
Legal recourse for scam victims.
Common Phone and Email Scams in Ontario
Scammers often impersonate reputable organizations or individuals to manipulate victims into providing money or personal information. Here are some of the most common fraud schemes:
1. Government and Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams
Scammers claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, or law enforcement. They may:
Claim you owe back taxes and threaten legal action
Say your Social Insurance Number (SIN) has been compromised
Pretend to be police officers, saying there’s a warrant for your arrest unless you pay immediately
Note:
Government agencies do not demand payments over the phone or through email.
If you receive such a call, contact the official agency directly using a verified phone number.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, fraud over $5,000 carries severe penalties, including imprisonment.
2. Phishing and Smishing Scams (Email and Text Fraud)
Fraudsters send emails or text messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, delivery services, or social media platforms. These messages often:
Use urgent language, such as "Your account has been locked"
Contain fake links that steal login credentials
Include attachments that install malware on your device
Note:
Under Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), businesses must obtain consent before sending commercial electronic messages.
If you receive spam or fraudulent emails, report them to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
3. Tech Support Scams
Scammers call or email pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider, claiming:
Your computer has a virus or security issue
You need to install special software (which is actually malware)
They require remote access to “fix” the problem
How to Protect Yourself:
Tech companies do not make unsolicited calls about computer issues.
Never grant remote access to an unknown caller.
If in doubt, contact your service provider directly.
4. Grandparent Scams (Family Emergency Fraud)
This scam targets seniors by preying on their concern for family members. Fraudsters pretend to be a grandchild or relative in distress, claiming they need money urgently for bail, medical bills, or travel expenses.
Note:
Verify their story by calling a trusted family member.
Under Section 380 of the Criminal Code, fraud committed against seniors can result in enhanced sentencing.
5. Romance and Investment Scams
Scammers build relationships with victims through dating websites or social media. They eventually:
Ask for money due to a fabricated emergency
Convince victims to invest in fake businesses or cryptocurrency schemes
Disappear once they’ve received funds
Legal Recourse:
If you’ve sent money to a scammer, report it to your bank and law enforcement immediately.
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) investigates fraudulent investment schemes.
Recent Scam Trends in Ontario
Scammers frequently adapt their methods to new technologies. Some of the latest tactics include:
AI-Generated Voice Scams
Using artificial intelligence, fraudsters can replicate a loved one’s voice to make distress calls seem more convincing.
To protect yourself, set up a family code word to verify emergencies.
Fake Job Offers & Remote Work Scams
Scammers post fake job listings and ask applicants to pay for training, background checks, or equipment.
A real employer will never ask for upfront payments.
Research companies before accepting job offers.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers
To reduce your risk of being scammed, follow these guidelines:
Verify, Don’t Trust Immediately – If you receive an urgent request for money or personal information, verify the source independently.
Be Skeptical of Urgency – Scammers use pressure tactics to prevent you from thinking critically. A legitimate organization will allow you time to confirm details.
Do Not Click on Unknown Links – Hover over links in emails before clicking. If they look suspicious, delete the message.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This extra security step helps protect your online accounts.
Educate Elderly Relatives – Many scams target seniors, so discuss common fraud tactics with them.
Use Call Blocking & Spam Filters – Many phone providers allow you to block scam calls and filter fraudulent emails.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, take these immediate steps:
Stop Contacting the Scammer – If you realize a request was fraudulent, cease communication.
Report the Scam:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): 1-888-495-8501
Local Police: If money or personal data was stolen, file a police report.
Bank or Credit Card Provider: If you sent money, contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback.
Monitor Your Accounts – Change any compromised passwords and keep an eye on your financial statements.
Warn Others – Reporting fraud can help prevent others from becoming victims.
Legal Recourse for Scam Victims
Depending on the circumstances, fraud victims may have legal options:
Chargeback Requests: If you paid via credit card, contact your provider to dispute the fraudulent transaction.
Civil Lawsuits: In some cases, victims can pursue legal action against fraudsters to recover losses.
Identity Theft Protection: If your personal information was stolen, report it to Equifax or TransUnion to monitor your credit.
Resources for Ontario Residents
If you need assistance, these organizations can help:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) – Provides fraud prevention resources and accepts scam reports.
Consumer Protection Ontario – Offers guidance on consumer rights and fraud prevention.
Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) – Investigates financial fraud, including investment scams.
Law Society of Ontario – Connects individuals with legal professionals for advice on fraud-related issues.
Phone and email scams are a growing threat, but awareness and caution can help keep you safe. Remember: legitimate businesses, government agencies, and law enforcement will never ask for personal information or payments via phone or email.
As a paralegal, I strongly encourage scam victims to report fraud and seek legal advice when necessary. Protect yourself, stay informed, and always verify before you trust.
