Common scams.
Scams are constantly evolving, and fraudsters use new tactics to try to gain access to your money or personal information. Learn about common scams, including those that impersonate Conexus, and how to protect yourself. Remember, we will never ask for passwords, verification codes or other sensitive information by phone, text or email.
Common scams to be aware of.
Scam calls and text messages impersonating Conexus.
Think that call or text is from Conexus? It might not be. Scammers can spoof our phone number and pretend to be us to trick you into sharing personal information. Pause and verify before you act.
Scammers may pretend to be Conexus. Watch for these red flags:
- A call or text asking for your password, verification code or other sensitive information
- Pressure to act quickly or threats that your account will be locked or closed
- Suspicious links asking you to log in or provide personal details
- A request to move money or complete a transaction you weren’t expecting
Remember: We will never ask for passwords, verification codes or other sensitive information by phone, text or email.
Romance scams.
Looking for love online? So are fraudsters, but they're after your money, not your heart. Stay alert and ask questions before you trust someone you've never met.
Scammers love dating apps. Watch for these red flags:
- Someone you've never met professes their love
- There's always an excuse not to meet in person or to keep the camera off (AI can now spoof video, so be careful)
- They frequently misspell words or call you by the wrong name
- Pressure to send money, big or small
- They ask you to keep the relationship secret from family and friends
Investment scams.
Ever hear the phrase 'get rich quick'? Real investments don't work that way. Investment scams promise big returns using false or misleading information, then make your money disappear.
"Get rich quick" schemes are more common than you'd think. Before you invest, ask:
- Does it promise lots of money with no risk?
- Did they claim to have insider information?
- Are they pressuring you to decide quickly?
- Is the seller registered with the provincial securities regulator?
- If the answers feel fishy, it's best to walk away
Grandparent and emergency scams.
Receive a panicked call from a loved one who needs money right now? Be on your guard. Scammers pose as family in trouble, and with AI they can even fake a familiar voice.
These scams are on the rise, especially with AI. Common tricks include car accidents, arrests or trouble abroad. Protect yourself:
- Verify the story by contacting family directly
- Ask questions only your loved one could answer
- Don't let urgency rush you into paying
- Share what's happening; a real emergency won't be a secret
Charity and lottery scams.
Make sure your generosity isn't going to fraudsters. Always check that a charity or lottery is legitimate.
Scammers set up fake charities and lotteries, or pose as real ones, and play on your emotions. Research the organization before you give
- Check registered charities on the Canada Revenue Agency database
- Real lotteries never ask for personal information or payment upfront
- Don't let excitement or guilt override your judgement
Shopping scams.
Shopping online? Fraudsters buy fake ads and build lookalike websites to steal your information. A great deal can hide a scam, so check before you click.
Scammers place fake ads on search engines and social media to lure you to fake sites:
- Check the URL matches the real business name
- Research reviews and look for a valid address or registered business name
- Watch for spelling and grammar mistakes on the website
- If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is
Phishing scams.
Fraudsters use email and text to lure you into sharing personal or financial details. Don't get reeled in. If a message asks you to verify sensitive information, stop and check first.
Phishing and smishing messages often look like they're from your bank, a streaming service, a local business or a government agency:
- Look for bad spelling or grammar in the message or sender’s address
- Legitimate organizations don't ask for personal information this way
- Don't click links; go to the official website or app instead
- If in doubt, delete it
Where can you get help or more info.
Knowledge is power. Here are a few additional places to get more fraud-related information:
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): is a great source for information on scams affecting Canadians, as it collects data on fraud/identity theft and shares past and current information. However, it does not forward complaints to law enforcement agencies and is jointly operated by OPP, RCMP, and the Competition Bureau.
- RCMP: the RCMP website highlights the latest consumer scams and how you can deal with them
- Reporting Economic Crime Online: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a helpful website that will inform you of current bulletins of new scams and fraud
The three R's of fraud prevention.
Protect yourself from scams by practicing the three R's:
Recognize the warning signs and know what scams look like. Reject suspicious requests, and don’t give fraudsters what they’re looking for. Report any suspected fraud or scams to help protect yourself and others.