Section 1
Fraudulent Emails & Phishing
Fraudulent emails, also known as phishing, are purposely deceptive messages designed to steal personal information, login credentials, or money by impersonating trusted organizations.
Scammers may claim that your account will be suspended, that a lawsuit is pending, or that immediate action is required. These emails often look like they come from banks, Canada Post, Amazon, or even the Government of Canada.
The sender address may look similar to a real address, but it is usually slightly altered. Scammers may also promise money, inheritance, tax refunds, or account rewards. Clicking these links can lead to fake websites that steal login details, while attachments, especially files ending in .exe, may install malware on your computer.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication on important accounts whenever possible. Multi-Factor Authentication adds another layer of security, even if your password is stolen.
If you become a victim, immediately notify important organizations such as your bank, workplace, or any company connected to the compromised account. Change affected passwords and check whether other accounts may also be at risk.
Remember: most companies will not ask you for a code sent to your email or phone, especially if the message itself says not to share that code. When in doubt, contact the official company through its real website.
Section 2
Pig Butchering Scam
Pig butchering scams are sophisticated, long-term frauds that combine emotional manipulation with investment trickery. The name comes from the idea of “fattening the pig,” meaning building the victim’s trust, before stealing their savings.
These scams often begin with a “wrong number” text or message, such as, “Hello Ross, are we still open for dinner today?” When you reply to say they have the wrong number, the scammer uses it as an opportunity to start a friendly conversation.
Pig butchering scams are different from many quick scams because they are patient. The scammer may spend weeks or months building a relationship. They may act like a romantic partner, share fake photos of a glamorous life, and show deep interest in your problems to create trust.
Once trust is built, they may casually mention cryptocurrency or an investment strategy. They offer to teach you and guide you toward a professional-looking but fake investment app or website. At first, you may invest a small amount and see fake profits. The scammer may even let you withdraw a small amount to make the platform seem real.
Eventually, victims are pressured into investing larger amounts, sometimes retirement savings or borrowed money. When they try to withdraw their “profits,” the fake platform demands taxes, release fees, or other payments. Then the scammer disappears.
- Be suspicious of strangers who message every day and quickly become emotionally intense.
- Watch out for excuses about broken cameras, bad signal, or refusing to video call.
- Do not trust non-mainstream trading platforms recommended by strangers.
- Ignore promises of zero risk or guaranteed 20% returns.
- Remember that real investing always involves risk, especially cryptocurrency.
Report & Protect Yourself
What to do if something feels wrong
If you think you are being scammed, stop replying, do not send more money, take screenshots, save messages, and contact the proper organization as soon as possible.