Scammers are trying to capitalize off the fear from COVID-19.
Police are warning of various scams including: charitable appeals claiming to help victims, demands from legitimate organizations like police or the CRA requesting money or sensitive information, and even requests pretending to be essential services like utilities.
Everyone is asked to be cautious of calls, texts and emails with questionable offers or deceptive ads.
Police say if it looks suspicious don’t open.
More tips can be found below.
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Don’t trust the senders email address as it may be spoofed, a familiar name in your inbox isn’t always who you think it is. It’s best to verify through an independent means.
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Beware of email requests for personal information. Legitimate government agencies and businesses will not ask for that information.
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Check the validity of embedded links by hovering over the URL to see where it leads.
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Watch out for spelling and grammatical mistakes.
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Look out for generic greetings. Legitimate businesses often use a personal salutation.
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Avoid emails that insist you act now. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action.
Should you have concerns about any suspicious scams please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre through their online reporting system or toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
