I got a suspicious text message — what should I do?
Suspicious text messages — called 'smishing' — are a fast-growing scam. Common ones pretend to be from Canada Post (a package could not be delivered), your bank (unusual activity detected), or a government agency. They include a link designed to steal your information. The most important rule: do not click any link in an unexpected text message. If you think the text might be real — for example, if you are expecting a package — close the text and go directly to Canada Post's website by typing canadapost.ca yourself. Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), which is a free Canadian reporting service.
What to do
- Do not click any link in an unexpected text message — even if it looks official.
- Do not call any phone number included in the suspicious text.
- Do not reply to the text — even 'STOP' can confirm your number is active.
- If you think it might be real, go directly to the official website by typing it yourself.
- Forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM) — free to all Canadian carriers.
- Delete the text after reporting it.
The 3-Second Rule
Canada Post, your bank, and the government will never ask you to verify your account details by clicking a link in a text message.
Important Warning
Even replying 'STOP' to a scam text confirms your phone number is real and active — making you a more valuable target for further scam attempts.