Stay Safe.
Stay In Control.

Scams and fraud are becoming more common. This page helps you recognize them early, protect your personal information, and know what to do if something does not feel right.

You do not need special technical skills.
You only need to slow down and check before acting.

Equip Yourself with Essential Safety Knowledge

Be a difficult target. Ask questions, seek support, and seek out reliable information. There is no shame in using the people, resources, and tools around you if it helps you stay informed, confident, and safe.
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Common ScamsWarning Signs of FraudProtecting Personal InfoFeeling TargetedSenior Outreach Kits

Common Scams to Watch For

Scams often look ordinary at first. Many seniors affected by fraud say the contact seemed believable, friendly, or urgent. Use the table below to recognize the most common scams affecting seniors in Canada.

Situation
How it Usually Starts
What the Scammer Wants
Phone scams
A call claiming to be from the bank, government, police,
or a utility company
Money, personal information,
or one-time codes
Email scams
An email saying there is a problem with your account
or payment
Passwords, credit card details, or clicks on links
Text message scams
A short message saying “urgent” or “action required”
One-time passcodes
or confirmation replies
Grandparent scams
A call saying a grandchild is in trouble and needs money fast
Cash, gift cards,
or wire transfers
Tech support scams
A message claiming your computer has a virus
Remote access to your device or payment
Romance scams
Ongoing contact through email or social media
Money, gifts,
or financial access
Door-to-door scams
Someone arrives offering repairs or inspections
Cash payments or entry into your home

Scammers pretend to be helpful, polite, or official.

That does not make them legitimate.

Warning Signs of Fraud

Scams are less about technology and more about pressure.
If you notice any of the signs below, stop and pause.

You are told to act immediately

You are asked to keep the situation secret

You are told not to talk to family or the bank

You are asked for gift cards, cash, or wire transfers

You are asked to share passwords or
one-time codes

You feel rushed, nervous, or confused

The story sounds urgent but hard to verify

Protecting Personal Information

A few clear rules can prevent most scams. Use this Do / Don’t table as a simple reference.

Do
Take time before responding.
✓
Talk to a trusted person.
✓
Check with your bank directly.
✓
Lock personal documents away.
✓
Say “No” and end the conversation.
✓
Hang up and call the organization using the phone number on your bill, card, or official website.
✓
Do Not
Do not rush, even if told it is urgent.
✗
Do not keep requests secret.
✗
Do not share one-time codes.
✗
Do not leave mail or papers visible.
✗
Do not worry about being polite.
✗
Do not trust the number that called you.
✗

What to Do if You
Are Targeted

If you think someone may be trying to scam you, or if you already shared information,
you are not in trouble, simply follow these steps calmly.

Stop the Interaction

Hang up. Do not reply. Do not send anything else.

Do Not Send Money or Information

Even if the story sounds serious.

Talk to Someone You Trust

A family member, friend, or caregiver.

Contact Your Bank

Use the phone number on your card or statement.

Report if You Choose

Reporting can help protect others, but it is always your choice.

Senior Outreach Kits

Listed below are several resources that youth can use as tools to educate, protect, and support seniors through conversation as part of their volunteer work.

Youth Door-to-door
Conversation Cards

These cards support youth in starting and guiding conversations with seniors in a calm, respectful manner. They ease initial awkwardness, discourage lecturing, and keep the focus on listening first—encouraging thoughtful, two-way dialogue built on trust.

Access Kit

Downloadable Guides Designed for Clarity and Action

Downloadable guides designed for clarity and action

10 min read

A4 Leave Behind Handouts

These materials are designed to remain with seniors after the conversation ends. The three-page guide serves as a clear, easy-to-reference resource on scam prevention, reinforcing key points discussed and providing practical tips they can revisit whenever needed.
Access Kit
8 min read

Set of Three Community Posters

This set of three community posters reinforces essential safety messages in shared spaces. Designed for quick impact, each poster communicates a clear takeaway in just a few seconds—prioritizing immediate recognition and long-term recall over detailed reading.
Access Kit
12 min read

Youth Volunteer Field Guide

This one-page guide equips youth to engage seniors with confidence and respect. It encourages conversation over correction, avoiding lectures and fear-based language. It offers clear guidance on what to say and how to say it, while emphasizing meaningful dialogue over procedure.
Access Kit
12 min read

Family Conversation Guide

This one-page guide helps families have open, respectful conversations about scams and personal safety. It encourages collaboration over control, enabling loved ones to share concerns and discuss protective steps without creating fear. Designed to be reassuring and practical, it fosters trust and honest dialogue.
Access Kit