Just Ask — Is This Message a Scam?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Last year, Canadians reported losing more than $704 million to fraud from over 112,000 reports to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). These numbers represent only a fraction of the real impact. The CAFC estimates that just 5–10% of frauds are ever reported, often because people do not know where to report, do not realize they have been targeted, or feel embarrassed or ashamed.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder that staying safe online is not about being a technology expert. It is about knowing what to look for, pausing before you act and building a few simple habits. This year’s Get Cyber Safe theme, “Your best defence is you,” highlights the importance of awareness and caution in everyday digital life.
Scams are becoming increasingly convincing. With artificial intelligence and other tools, fraudsters can create messages, websites, images and even voices that look and sound legitimate. A text that appears to be from your bank, an email from a familiar company, or a message that claims to come from someone you know may not be what it appears.
Many scams also rely on creating a strong emotional reaction, such as urgency, fear, excitement or pressure. Be wary of messages that insist you must act immediately, threaten consequences if you do not, or ask for unusual forms of payment. Gift cards are a particularly important red flag. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not ask you to purchase gift cards and provide the numbers or PINs as a form of payment. The same caution applies to requests for cryptocurrency, wire transfers, banking information, passwords or verification codes.
Links deserve extra attention too. A message may ask you to click a link to fix your account, claim a refund or make a payment, but a professional-looking message does not mean the link is safe. Instead, go directly to the organization’s official website by typing the address yourself or using a trusted bookmark. If a message includes a phone number, look up the organization’s contact information independently rather than using the number provided.
If someone asks you to keep a situation secret or discourages you from talking to family, friends or your financial institution, that is another warning sign. Romance scams are a good example. Fraudsters may spend weeks or months building an online relationship before eventually asking for money or personal information, often claiming they have an emergency or presenting an investment opportunity.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is simply to pause. If a message asks for money, personal information, a verification code or urges you to click a link, take a moment to verify it. If it appears to be from someone you know, contact them another way. If you are unsure, talk it over with someone you trust. A second opinion can help you spot warning signs before you act.
A few basic security habits can also make a big difference. Use long, unique passwords for important accounts and avoid reusing the same password. Consider using a password manager or password book to keep track of them. Turn on multi-factor authentication whenever possible, and never share a verification code you did not request. Keep your phone, apps and software up to date and use caution when accessing sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi.
It is also important to remember that being scammed does not mean someone was careless or should have known better. Fraudsters deliberately create fear, urgency, trust and confusion to manipulate their targets. Anyone can be targeted, regardless of age, education or comfort with technology. Shame can make people less likely to report fraud or ask for help.
If you realize you have been scammed, act quickly. Contact your financial institution if money or banking information was involved, change any compromised passwords and keep copies of messages, receipts and other information related to the scam. Report the incident to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501), even if you did not lose money. Reporting helps authorities identify patterns and warn others.
Our local libraries can be a helpful resource for technology, online services and digital skills. Both Sechelt Public Library and Gibsons & District Public Library offer free 30-minute, one-on-one technology assistance by appointment. In Sechelt, you can book an appointment by calling 604-885-3260, emailing info@sechelt.bclibrary.ca, or visiting the library. In Gibsons, appointments can be arranged in person, by calling 604-886-2130, or by emailing gdplinfo@gibsonslibrary.ca.
The most important thing to remember is this: scammers are professionals at manipulation. Their success depends on getting people to act before they have time to stop and think. If something does not feel right, pause, ask questions and verify independently. And if something has gone wrong, ask for help without shame or embarrassment.
Just Ask is a biweekly column in the Coast Reporter where we answer your questions, address concerns, and share helpful community resources, programs and events. Have a question or something you’d like us to cover? Let us know at communications@resourcecentre.ca.