Fraud quiz

Extortion scams

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is holding the receiver of a red telephone at arm’s length from her ear, while a muscular man in a blue superhero suit is blowing a burst of air into the mouthpiece.

On the other end of the line are two rats impersonating tax collectors, which are being blown away by the superhero’s gust of wind. They are surrounded by notes that feature threats commonly heard by victims of tax scams, such as:

• “We will call the police,”
• “Pay us in gift cards,”
• “Send us your money or else!!!” and
• “We are the tax collectors. Send us money.”

The superheroes are fighting back against tax scammers who claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency and demand to be paid tax debts.

This is a typical example of an extortion scam. The scammer pretends to be either from the government or from the police and sometimes threatens to send officials to arrest or deport you. Their goal is always the same: to bully and scare a victim into paying fake debts or ransoms.

Never respond to suspected fraudulent communications and do not agree to provide personal information or payment. Be vigilant when an unexpected call instills panic and includes demands for immediate payment by a money transfer service or pre-paid cards.

The phone number used may appear to be a local number, leading you to believe that this is a legitimate call. Don't be fooled.

Contact your local police or the agency the caller claims to be calling from if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information on extortion scams, please see the Bureau’s announcement: Fill your library, not their wallets.

For more information about tax scams involving the Canada Revenue Agency, visit Protect yourself against fraud.

Extortion scams

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is holding the receiver of a red telephone at arm’s length from her ear, while a muscular man in a blue superhero suit is blowing a burst of air into the mouthpiece.

On the other end of the line are two rats impersonating tax collectors, which are being blown away by the superhero’s gust of wind. They are surrounded by notes that feature threats commonly heard by victims of tax scams, such as:

• “We will call the police,”
• “Pay us in gift cards,”
• “Send us your money or else!!!” and
• “We are the tax collectors. Send us money.”

The superheroes are fighting back against tax scammers who claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency and demand to be paid tax debts.

This is a typical example of an extortion scam. The scammer pretends to be either from the government or from the police and sometimes threatens to send officials to arrest or deport you. Their goal is always the same: to bully and scare a victim into paying fake debts or ransoms.

Never respond to suspected fraudulent communications and do not agree to provide personal information or payment. Be vigilant when an unexpected call instills panic and includes demands for immediate payment by a money transfer service or pre-paid cards.

The phone number used may appear to be a local number, leading you to believe that this is a legitimate call. Don't be fooled.

Contact your local police or the agency the caller claims to be calling from if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information on extortion scams, please see the Bureau’s announcement: Fill your library, not their wallets.

For more information about tax scams involving the Canada Revenue Agency, visit Protect yourself against fraud.

Romance scams

A grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape is confronting a scammer on a dating site. The scammer is a brown dog sitting in front of a computer and pretending to be someone they are not

In this case, they are holding a photo of a poodle between their teeth and sending messages that say:

• “I love you,”
• “Send more kibble my love,” and
• “Help, I need your kibble.”

A dish next to the scammer is overflowing with kibble, but the superhero’s dish is almost empty. The superhero has had enough and has finally uncovered the scammer.

Romance scams continue to cause severe financial harm to consumers in Canada and elsewhere. Be suspicious when someone you've never met professes their love for you. Do not send money to strangers under any circumstance. Fraudsters in this area have shown a willingness to develop relationships with a target over an extended period of time before successfully convincing them to send money.

Find out more information on romance scams in the 1^st edition and 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Romance scams

A grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape is confronting a scammer on a dating site. The scammer is a brown dog sitting in front of a computer and pretending to be someone they are not

In this case, they are holding a photo of a poodle between their teeth and sending messages that say:

• “I love you,”
• “Send more kibble my love,” and
• “Help, I need your kibble.”

A dish next to the scammer is overflowing with kibble, but the superhero’s dish is almost empty. The superhero has had enough and has finally uncovered the scammer.

Romance scams continue to cause severe financial harm to consumers in Canada and elsewhere. Be suspicious when someone you've never met professes their love for you. Do not send money to strangers under any circumstance. Fraudsters in this area have shown a willingness to develop relationships with a target over an extended period of time before successfully convincing them to send money.

Find out more information on romance scams in the 1^st edition and 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Purchase of merchandise scams

A teenage boy in a red superhero suit is flying through the air. With his finger, he has punctured a hole in the head of a man made entirely from balloons.

The balloon man’s facial features are stencilled in with pencil on a purple head. He is wearing a pink bowtie, blue jacket and orange pants, all made out of balloons.

All around, empty cardboard boxes are scattered. On their sides they read, “100% nothing but hot air!”

A laptop is perched on a cardboard box. On the screen there is a message in large bold capital letters that reads: “Buy it now! Our boxes are %100 full.” Immediately underneath “of hot air” is added in fine print.

The superhero has revealed an online shopping scam that was too good to be true.

While non-delivery of merchandise is a scheme most often linked to Internet auction fraud, it may also occur when buying products from a seemingly legitimate website.

To avoid these scams:

• Thoroughly research an online store or website prior to making a purchase to ensure the company is legitimate. A simple Google search of the name of the online business may indicate whether anybody has suggested the offer is a scam.
• Carefully read the online store's terms and conditions.
• Inquire about returns and warranties.
• Inspect the website thoroughly for any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• Be suspicious of overly complicated return policies that involve lengthy processing times and delays.
• Ensure that their email address is still active.
• Use a credit card or debit card when shopping online. You can sometimes take advantage of extra measures of protection.

You can find more information on this type of scam in the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Purchase of merchandise scams

A teenage boy in a red superhero suit is flying through the air. With his finger, he has punctured a hole in the head of a man made entirely from balloons.

The balloon man’s facial features are stencilled in with pencil on a purple head. He is wearing a pink bowtie, blue jacket and orange pants, all made out of balloons.

All around, empty cardboard boxes are scattered. On their sides they read, “100% nothing but hot air!”

A laptop is perched on a cardboard box. On the screen there is a message in large bold capital letters that reads: “Buy it now! Our boxes are %100 full.” Immediately underneath “of hot air” is added in fine print.

The superhero has revealed an online shopping scam that was too good to be true.

While non-delivery of merchandise is a scheme most often linked to Internet auction fraud, it may also occur when buying products from a seemingly legitimate website.

To avoid these scams:

• Thoroughly research an online store or website prior to making a purchase to ensure the company is legitimate. A simple Google search of the name of the online business may indicate whether anybody has suggested the offer is a scam.
• Carefully read the online store's terms and conditions.
• Inquire about returns and warranties.
• Inspect the website thoroughly for any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• Be suspicious of overly complicated return policies that involve lengthy processing times and delays.
• Ensure that their email address is still active.
• Use a credit card or debit card when shopping online. You can sometimes take advantage of extra measures of protection.

You can find more information on this type of scam in the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Counterfeit products and fake reviews

A muscular man in a blue superhero suit stands ready for fraud-fighting action.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Never take ads at face value just because they are displayed on trusted social media sites. Many fraudsters create fake reviews to promote bogus products. Furthermore, when searching for a product using an online search engine, don't assume that a website is legitimate because it's listed as one of the first links in the search results. When in doubt, do additional research on other websites.

Consumers who purchased such items online and have had bad experiences may submit a complaint to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For more information, also see these links:

• High-end shopping at a “bargain basement” prices
• Deceptive Marketing of Counterfeit Goods–'Project Chargeba
• The RCMP's Scams and Fraud page

Counterfeit products and fake reviews

A muscular man in a blue superhero suit stands ready for fraud-fighting action.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is! Never take ads at face value just because they are displayed on trusted social media sites. Many fraudsters create fake reviews to promote bogus products. Furthermore, when searching for a product using an online search engine, don't assume that a website is legitimate because it's listed as one of the first links in the search results. When in doubt, do additional research on other websites.

Consumers who purchased such items online and have had bad experiences may submit a complaint to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For more information, also see these links:

• High-end shopping at a “bargain basement” prices
• Deceptive Marketing of Counterfeit Goods–'Project Chargeba
• The RCMP's Scams and Fraud page

Overpayment scams

A teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit is holding on to the merchandise she was planning to sell and gesturing “stop” to a slimy purple monster.

The monster is offering up a tray of counterfeit $100 bills with one tentacle arm and creating more counterfeit money with another arm.

By being cautious about to whom she sells her merchandise, the superhero is both protecting herself and stopping scammers who pose as buyers online.

When selling merchandise online, both consumers and businesses need to be aware that not all offers to buy are reputable.

Scammers may send money in excess of the amount owed by paying with a fraudulent cheque and ask that the excess funds be sent back to the buyer. This can lead to the loss of merchandise, funds or both.

Beware of overseas buyers who want to buy items sight unseen!

Also remember that sending a transfer through a money transfer service (i.e., MoneyGram or Western Union) is like sending cash. Once the amount is picked up, it's nearly impossible to get your money back.

For more information on this type of scam, see the 1^st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Overpayment scams

A teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit is holding on to the merchandise she was planning to sell and gesturing “stop” to a slimy purple monster.

The monster is offering up a tray of counterfeit $100 bills with one tentacle arm and creating more counterfeit money with another arm.

By being cautious about to whom she sells her merchandise, the superhero is both protecting herself and stopping scammers who pose as buyers online.

When selling merchandise online, both consumers and businesses need to be aware that not all offers to buy are reputable.

Scammers may send money in excess of the amount owed by paying with a fraudulent cheque and ask that the excess funds be sent back to the buyer. This can lead to the loss of merchandise, funds or both.

Beware of overseas buyers who want to buy items sight unseen!

Also remember that sending a transfer through a money transfer service (i.e., MoneyGram or Western Union) is like sending cash. Once the amount is picked up, it's nearly impossible to get your money back.

For more information on this type of scam, see the 1^st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Subscription traps

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is pushing back against a too-good-to-be-true free subscription offer, represented by a purple book decorated with a glossy red bow that has been placed inside a bear trap.

Connected to the trap are three spiked balls and chains, representing hidden monthly charges, shipping costs and unbreakable contracts.

To avoid these scams:

• Trust your instincts.
• Research a seller before you sign up for their free trial.
• Pay attention to negative reviews and complaints online about that company.
• Check whether the order form has pre-checked boxes.
• Read all terms and conditions carefully, noting the requirements for cancellations and product returns, as well as any hidden charges. If you can't find the terms and conditions or can't understand them, don't sign up. Keep in mind, however, that having terms and a condition doesn't guarantee protection from falling into a subscription trap.

For more information on this type of scam, see the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Also, consult this consumer alert: Free trial that turns out to be a monthly subscription: it's a trap.

Subscription traps

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is pushing back against a too-good-to-be-true free subscription offer, represented by a purple book decorated with a glossy red bow that has been placed inside a bear trap.

Connected to the trap are three spiked balls and chains, representing hidden monthly charges, shipping costs and unbreakable contracts.

To avoid these scams:

• Trust your instincts.
• Research a seller before you sign up for their free trial.
• Pay attention to negative reviews and complaints online about that company.
• Check whether the order form has pre-checked boxes.
• Read all terms and conditions carefully, noting the requirements for cancellations and product returns, as well as any hidden charges. If you can't find the terms and conditions or can't understand them, don't sign up. Keep in mind, however, that having terms and a condition doesn't guarantee protection from falling into a subscription trap.

For more information on this type of scam, see the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Also, consult this consumer alert: Free trial that turns out to be a monthly subscription: it's a trap.

CEO scams

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is flying through the air. She has just severed the scammer’s cord-like arm that was trying to break into the company vault.

The scammer is a one-eyed Scam Bot robot trying to impersonate the company CEO with a clumsily taped photo on its face. Its arm has already reached through two interconnected laptop computers, representing two levels of employees.

The first computer closest to the scammer displays the email message sent to an employee: “Hi Dave. This is your CEO. I need access to our funds.”

The second computer displays the message from the employee to someone at the company with financial authority: “This is Dave. Our CEO needs access to our funds.”

The superhero has stopped a scammer from accessing company funds.

In a typical CEO scam, a fraudster will impersonate a company executive—either by gaining access to their email address or creating a similar one—and send realistic-looking emails that try to trick you into wiring money to a third party. The emails will make the requests sound urgent and confidential. Don't fall for it!

Use these tips to help keep fraudsters out of your business:

• Ensure your computer systems are secure, running up-to-date antivirus software.
• Encourage all employees to use strong passwords to protect their email accounts from hackers.
• Double-check with executives when you receive a wire-transfer request from them by email, even when it seems legitimate.
• Don't use the contact information provided in the message. Look up their phone number.
• Look carefully at the sender's email address. It may be similar to the real one, with only one or two characters that are out of place.
• Establish a standard process that requires multiple approvals for money transfers.
• Limit the amount of employee information available online and on social media. Fraudsters use it to find potential victims and time their targeted fraud.

For more information, see the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

CEO scams

A red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit is flying through the air. She has just severed the scammer’s cord-like arm that was trying to break into the company vault.

The scammer is a one-eyed Scam Bot robot trying to impersonate the company CEO with a clumsily taped photo on its face. Its arm has already reached through two interconnected laptop computers, representing two levels of employees.

The first computer closest to the scammer displays the email message sent to an employee: “Hi Dave. This is your CEO. I need access to our funds.”

The second computer displays the message from the employee to someone at the company with financial authority: “This is Dave. Our CEO needs access to our funds.”

The superhero has stopped a scammer from accessing company funds.

In a typical CEO scam, a fraudster will impersonate a company executive—either by gaining access to their email address or creating a similar one—and send realistic-looking emails that try to trick you into wiring money to a third party. The emails will make the requests sound urgent and confidential. Don't fall for it!

Use these tips to help keep fraudsters out of your business:

• Ensure your computer systems are secure, running up-to-date antivirus software.
• Encourage all employees to use strong passwords to protect their email accounts from hackers.
• Double-check with executives when you receive a wire-transfer request from them by email, even when it seems legitimate.
• Don't use the contact information provided in the message. Look up their phone number.
• Look carefully at the sender's email address. It may be similar to the real one, with only one or two characters that are out of place.
• Establish a standard process that requires multiple approvals for money transfers.
• Limit the amount of employee information available online and on social media. Fraudsters use it to find potential victims and time their targeted fraud.

For more information, see the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Door-to-door scams

A grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape has answered the door to a large brown bull. Behind the bull is a large white truck that reads, “Total Bull Repairs” on it.

The bull has a ring through its nose and is holding a clipboard with a contract attached that reads, “Total Bull Repairs Contract.”

The superhero is examining the contract with a large red magnifying glass that reveals the fine print with the message, “This is a Scam.”

The superhero is fighting back against door-to-door scams by taking the time to read the fine print and not giving in to sales pressure.

Do not fall for a door-to-door scam! Here are a few tips to avoid getting caught:

• Do not sign a contract under pressure or make any commitments to the salesperson before doing your own research.
• Ask the salesperson for photo identification that shows their full name and the name of the company they work for, so you know who you're dealing with.
• Check with your current supplier to verify if you have any obligations under your existing contract.
• Never share personal information or copies of any bills or financial statements with a door-to-door salesperson.
• Read the fine print on all material they provide.
• Know your rights before you sign any contract at your door. These salespeople may be working for private companies: unaffiliated with either your current supplier or a government agency. Consult ConsumerInformation.ca for more information.

For more information, see the 1^st edition and the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Door-to-door scams

A grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape has answered the door to a large brown bull. Behind the bull is a large white truck that reads, “Total Bull Repairs” on it.

The bull has a ring through its nose and is holding a clipboard with a contract attached that reads, “Total Bull Repairs Contract.”

The superhero is examining the contract with a large red magnifying glass that reveals the fine print with the message, “This is a Scam.”

The superhero is fighting back against door-to-door scams by taking the time to read the fine print and not giving in to sales pressure.

Do not fall for a door-to-door scam! Here are a few tips to avoid getting caught:

• Do not sign a contract under pressure or make any commitments to the salesperson before doing your own research.
• Ask the salesperson for photo identification that shows their full name and the name of the company they work for, so you know who you're dealing with.
• Check with your current supplier to verify if you have any obligations under your existing contract.
• Never share personal information or copies of any bills or financial statements with a door-to-door salesperson.
• Read the fine print on all material they provide.
• Know your rights before you sign any contract at your door. These salespeople may be working for private companies: unaffiliated with either your current supplier or a government agency. Consult ConsumerInformation.ca for more information.

For more information, see the 1^st edition and the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Health product scams

An elderly man with a grey beard in a purple superhero suit is upheaving a wooden cart with one of his arms.

The cart has a sign on it that reads, “Snake Oil: a cure for all your ails.”

A green snake-like monster is slithering through the cart, while opened bottles of pills are spilling out onto the ground.

The superhero is resisting the allure of the quick fixes promised by health and medical scams.

If you are learning about an alternative treatment or health product for the first time online, be suspicious. Fraudsters load their sites with confusing technical medical terms to persuade you into believing they know what they are talking about.

Ads that are long on technical jargon may be short on proof.

Here's how to avoid these scams:

• Look for well-known, independent, credible sources of information before you buy.
• Consult a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment.
• Know that some websites create fake success stories to make their products or services appear more desirable.
• Also know that the photo of that “doctor” on the website endorsing a product or treatment could very well be an actor!

For more information, see the 1^st edition and the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Health product scams

An elderly man with a grey beard in a purple superhero suit is upheaving a wooden cart with one of his arms.

The cart has a sign on it that reads, “Snake Oil: a cure for all your ails.”

A green snake-like monster is slithering through the cart, while opened bottles of pills are spilling out onto the ground.

The superhero is resisting the allure of the quick fixes promised by health and medical scams.

If you are learning about an alternative treatment or health product for the first time online, be suspicious. Fraudsters load their sites with confusing technical medical terms to persuade you into believing they know what they are talking about.

Ads that are long on technical jargon may be short on proof.

Here's how to avoid these scams:

• Look for well-known, independent, credible sources of information before you buy.
• Consult a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment.
• Know that some websites create fake success stories to make their products or services appear more desirable.
• Also know that the photo of that “doctor” on the website endorsing a product or treatment could very well be an actor!

For more information, see the 1^st edition and the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.

Fake charities

A teenage boy is giving a thumbs-up.

Responding to a humanitarian crisis can bring out the best in some people but it can also bring out the worst in others. Be on the lookout for scammers who falsely present themselves as belonging to a humanitarian relief group. Their true goal is to prey on your kindness and to profit from a disaster.

To ensure your donations go to legitimate charities, do the following:

• Don't give cash or financial information if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a website, organization or individual asking for money.
• Verify if the organization that approached you is registered in the Canada Revenue Agency Charity Listings.
• Don't click on untrusted links you receive via email or social media. It's safer to approach a relief organization directly to donate.

See the 1^st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information.

Fake charities

A teenage boy is giving a thumbs-up.

Responding to a humanitarian crisis can bring out the best in some people but it can also bring out the worst in others. Be on the lookout for scammers who falsely present themselves as belonging to a humanitarian relief group. Their true goal is to prey on your kindness and to profit from a disaster.

To ensure your donations go to legitimate charities, do the following:

• Don't give cash or financial information if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a website, organization or individual asking for money.
• Verify if the organization that approached you is registered in the Canada Revenue Agency Charity Listings.
• Don't click on untrusted links you receive via email or social media. It's safer to approach a relief organization directly to donate.

See the 1^st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information.

Phishing scams or identity theft

A teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit is about to smash a computer screen with a heavy concrete gavel that says “Delete” on it.

The superhero is fighting against a scary-looking angler fish with sharp teeth and bulging eyeballs. The angler fish’s lure is a computer screen with the following email message: “Congratulations! You won our contest that you didn’t enter. Click here to give us your banking info.”

The words “Click here” are hyperlinked in blue. The superhero is not taking the bait. They are about to delete a common phishing scam that tries to get personal information by pretending to be a real organization.

This type of scam is known as phishing or “brand spoofing.”

The word phishing comes from the analogy that Internet scammers use email lures to fish for passwords and financial data from the sea of online users.

Scammers create email messages and websites that are replicas of existing, legitimate ones, tricking people into submitting their personal information, including passwords and financial data, with the intent to commit fraud.

In this kind of situation:

• never reply to an email that requests your personal information,
• contact your financial institution immediately, and
• report suspicious activity.

Legitimate banks or credit unions will not ask their customers for personal information through email, text or voicemail.

See the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information on Identity theft and Phishing scams.

Phishing scams or identity theft

A teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit is about to smash a computer screen with a heavy concrete gavel that says “Delete” on it.

The superhero is fighting against a scary-looking angler fish with sharp teeth and bulging eyeballs. The angler fish’s lure is a computer screen with the following email message: “Congratulations! You won our contest that you didn’t enter. Click here to give us your banking info.”

The words “Click here” are hyperlinked in blue. The superhero is not taking the bait. They are about to delete a common phishing scam that tries to get personal information by pretending to be a real organization.

This type of scam is known as phishing or “brand spoofing.”

The word phishing comes from the analogy that Internet scammers use email lures to fish for passwords and financial data from the sea of online users.

Scammers create email messages and websites that are replicas of existing, legitimate ones, tricking people into submitting their personal information, including passwords and financial data, with the intent to commit fraud.

In this kind of situation:

• never reply to an email that requests your personal information,
• contact your financial institution immediately, and
• report suspicious activity.

Legitimate banks or credit unions will not ask their customers for personal information through email, text or voicemail.

See the 2^nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information on Identity theft and Phishing scams.

Every demographic is at risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Scammers are adaptable and clever. Don't be a victim: stay informed.

Every demographic is at risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Scammers are adaptable and clever. Don't be a victim: stay informed.