Every year in March, Fraud Prevention Month raises awareness about the growing threat of fraud and scams. Millions of dollars are lost annually to scams in Canada, and many incidents go unreported due to confusion or embarrassment. This year, the WPS, in partnership with A&O: Support Services for Older Adults, has launched a public awareness campaign, which aims to educate older adults about scams they may receive over the phone. It has a clear message and memorable actions: When in doubt: Hang up. Verify with family. Make a report.
Criminals are becoming more sophisticated every year – it's essential to stay informed and vigilant. If you receive an unsolicited phone call, keep these three red flags in mind:
- The caller uses urgency to pressure you into taking action: Scammers create panic to block logical thinking. If you receive a call pressuring you to take immediate action, think twice. You're in control, and can end the call whenever you need to.
- The caller demands secrecy: No real emergency should be kept secret. If you receive a call that an emergency has occurred and not to tell anyone, it could be a scam.
- Callers demand gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send a courier: Police, banks or lawyers NEVER ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send couriers to collect cash. In Canada, police do not collect cash bail by phone.
If you receive a suspicious or odd phone call, take a pause. No real emergency requires secrecy or instant payment. Hang up. Verify. Make a report.
Remember, always report suspected fraud. If you believe you've been a victim, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501. If you think you've received a fraudulent call, but have not lost money, report it online.
Visit JustHangUp.ca to learn how to spot and stop these scams, or to book a community presentation from the WPS Community Relations team for your group. Remember: hanging up isn't rude or unsafe – it’s the safest response.