Protecting You and Your Loved Ones From Scams

Written by Janet Helm, Realtor® Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)  Canadian Certified Seniors Representative (CCSR)

It is important to remember that scams can happen to anyone, at any age. Being scammed is not a reflection of someone's intelligence or judgment. These people are professionals, and they know how to create fear, urgency and trust.

Older adults can be specifically targeted because scammers may assume they are more likely to answer an unknown phone call, have savings or other assets, or be living alone or feeling isolated. But that does not mean older adults are the only ones at risk. Younger people are targeted too, through employment scams, online shopping scams, investment scams, romance scams, fake government messages and many other approaches.

Something to consider- instead of thinking, “I would never fall for that.” Instead,, “What will I do if someone tries?”

Most of us have heard about the grandparent scam. The call from “Johnny” saying he is in trouble and needs money. We know to be suspicious. We know to call the family and check before doing anything.

But scammers are getting slicker and slicker, and new scams are constantly emerging.

They are using technology, convincing emails and text messages, fake websites, phone calls and even impersonation to make their stories feel believable. The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre says fraudsters continue to use impersonation, urgency, convincing communications and established trust to obtain money or personal information.

With the holidays approaching, when we are often shopping online, sending money, travelling and connecting with family, it is a good time to have a conversation with the people we love about staying alert.

The most important rule: slow down.

Scammers want you to feel rushed.

Your bank account is supposedly compromised. Your package is stuck. Your computer has been hacked. Your grandchild needs help. You have supposedly won something. Whatever the story, there is often one thing in common: you are being pressured to act right now.

You don't have to!

Hang up. Don't engage. Don't click on the link. Don't transfer the money. Take a breath and verify the story independently.

The point isn't to become suspicious of everyone. It is to become comfortable with stopping before acting.

Don't provide personal or banking information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card. If someone says they are a family member in trouble, contact another family member using a number you already have. Don't rely on the phone number or contact information provided by the person who contacted you.

And if you receive an unexpected text or email, don't click the link. Go directly to the company's official website or app instead.

It is also worth having someone you trust as your second set of eyes. If you are being pressured to make an unexpected payment or financial decision, talk to someone before you act.

The scams keep changing

I don't want to give you a long list of every scam out there because, by the time you read it, there may be a new one. The better approach is to know the warning signs and know where to check for the latest information.The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre reported approximately $351 million in fraud losses in Canada during the first six months of 2026 alone. It also estimates that only 5% to 10% of fraud is reported, meaning the actual impact is likely much greater. That is why it is worth checking the latest alerts from time to time. The scam may be new, but the strategy for protecting yourself is remarkably consistent:

Stop. Slow down. Verify.

Keep these resources handy

The RCMP and Canadian Anti Fraud Centre regularly share information about current scams, fraud alerts and ways to protect yourself. The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre's website is particularly useful because you can check current fraud trends and different types of scams rather than relying on an old list.

Canadian Anti Fraud Centre
Current scams, fraud alerts and protection information

Frauds by type
Browse the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre's fraud directory

RCMP Seniors' Guidebook to Safety and Security
RCMP guide to fraud and scams

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact your financial institution immediately, report it to your local police and report it to the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre. Reporting quickly can sometimes help with recovery efforts.

And don't be embarrassed. Scammers are professionals. Being targeted does not mean you were foolish. Tell someone, get help and report it.

As the holidays approach, have the conversation with your parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren before the unexpected call or text arrives.

Maybe it is as simple as agreeing:

“If something feels urgent or unusual, we call each other before we act.”

A few minutes of preparation could save a lot of heartache later.

When in doubt, stop. Don't click. Don't send. Don't share. Verify first. 

And to lighten the topic slightly, remember: if you actually do have a grandson named Johnny and he really is in jail, he can hang out there for a few hours while you confirm it is true!