Protect Yourself Against Fraud and Scams

Recognize the signs and protect yourself against fraud and scams. 

Fraud is the number one crime against seniors. Though people of all ages can be affected by fraud, seniors get targeted more often than others. Common types of frauds and scams include identity theft, credit/debit card fraud, online scams, and phone scams. 

Tips and safeguards

• Never tell another person your PIN or account passwords and take care to cover your hand when entering your PIN at bank machines and when making store purchases.
• Do not click on pop-up windows or respond to e-mails, open attachments or go to Website links sent by people you do not know. Your bank or credit union will not send you anything by e-mail unless you ask them to.
• Never give out your credit card, bank account, or personal information to someone over the phone, at the door, or over the Internet unless you know the person or organization you are dealing with, or you made the contact.
• Do not sign an agreement or contract to buy anything without giving yourself time to think it over. If a salesperson insists that an "offer" is "time limited" and you must decide
  that moment, it is probably better not to buy.
• Be suspicious if someone you don't know asks you to send them money or a cheque, or to return money they "accidentally" sent you.
• Before hiring someone or agreeing to have work done on your home, ask for proof of identity and references and check them.

To learn more, please visit the Government of Canada's website. 

Please contact the ACCESS line at 1-888-536-3599 or by email at access@iicanada.net if you have any questions or require support.