How do I avoid phone scams?
Phone scams are very common in Canada. Scammers call pretending to be the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), your bank, Microsoft, Amazon, or even the police. They use high-pressure tactics to make you panic and act quickly before you have time to think. Common scripts include: "Your SIN number has been suspended," "There is a warrant for your arrest," "You owe back taxes," or "Your computer has a virus." These are always false. The Canada Revenue Agency does not call to demand immediate payment. The police do not call to warn you about warrants. Microsoft does not call to fix your computer. If a caller demands payment by gift cards, e-transfer, or cryptocurrency — hang up immediately. No legitimate organisation collects money this way. Real calls from your bank may happen, but they will never ask for your full card number, PIN, or online banking password.
What to do when you receive a suspicious call
- If the call feels urgent or threatening — hang up. That is a tactic.
- Do not press 1 or any number — this confirms your number is active and leads to more calls.
- Call the company back yourself using the number on their official website or your card.
- Never give your SIN, full card number, or PIN on an incoming call.
- Report scam calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.
The 3-Second Rule
If any caller says "Act now" or creates a sense of emergency — stop. Hang up and call the organisation back yourself.
Important Warning
Scammers now use AI to clone voices — a caller may sound exactly like your grandchild saying they need money urgently. Always call back the person directly to verify.
Learn More
Go deeper with our full lesson: Module 2: The Security Shield.