Fraud quiz
1. Extortion scams
You receive an alarming call from someone who claims to be from the government. They say a recent audit of your account reveals you owe them money and that you must pay immediately. What do you do next to verify this claim?
- You give the caller your contact information and ask that a copy of the caller's identification card be sent to you by email or fax before sending the money.
- You hang up and call the official phone number of that government body to inquire about your account.
- You pay the amount claimed and insist that a detailed receipt or acknowledgement letter be sent to you afterwards.
Correct!
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.
The correct answer is: B
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.
2. Romance scams
You met someone on an online dating site a few months ago. While the two of you have developed a romantic attachment, you've not yet been able to meet. Your romantic partner claims to be a soldier stationed overseas. You've messaged each other daily. They've sent you gifts and flowers. You believe they are sincere. One day, they inform you that their daughter has been involved in an accident and there's an urgent need for money to pay for home care services. They ask for your help. What should you do?
Correct!
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 1st edition and 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
The correct answer is: C
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 1st edition and 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
3. Purchase of merchandise scams
When shopping online, you want to avoid being charged for merchandise that never gets delivered to you. Amid many choices, what should you do to pick a trustworthy website?
Correct!
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
The correct answer is: F
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams or via the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
4. Counterfeit products and fake reviews
You log on to your favourite social media website and notice a post from a business offering various brand items at a bargain price. Several users of the social media site have commented on that post, praising the authenticity and great price of the usually expensive, brand name items available for sale on the business's website.
True or False: Given the fact that the advertisement is posted on a trusted social media site and endorsed by seemingly legitimate users, the website must be a great find.
Correct!
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:
The correct answer is: False
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:
5. Overpayment scams
You've posted and sold an item on an online classified website. The buyer sends you payment by cheque for a sum greater than the agreed upon amount. When you advise them of this mistake, they instruct you to return the difference through a well-known money transfer service. What should you do?
Correct!
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 1st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
The correct answer is: B
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 1st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
6. Subscription traps
Three months ago, a friend of yours ordered a free sample of beauty products from an ad that popped up on social media . The free trial offer required your friend to only pay for shipping fees. Now, unexplained charges have appeared on their credit card statement. The charge appears again the following month.
Although your friend received the promised free-trial product, they likely have been caught in a subscription trap. How can you prevent this from happening?
Correct!
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 2nd 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.
The correct answer is: E
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 2nd 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.
7. CEO scams
You receive an urgent email from your CEO requesting money to secure a major business deal. The message even uses the CEO's full real name, so it looks legitimate. While it strikes you as an unusual request, time is of the essence and you don't want to let your boss down.
True or False: You should transfer the money, but only after replying to the email message.
Correct!
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
The correct answer is: False
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
8. Door-to-door scams
A salesperson comes to your door asking to inspect your home's HVAC system. Having let them inside, they inform you that the unit will have to be replaced immediately to avoid damaging your residence. They indicate they have a repair crew that just happens to be in the neighborhood today and can do this supposedly necessary work right away if you sign a release form now.
True or False: You should sign the form. It's best to avoid problems down the line.
Correct!
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 1st edition and the 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
The correct answer is: False
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 1st edition and the 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
9. Health product scams
True or False: Websites that offer health products with claims of a scientific breakthrough and include complex technical information, success stories and physician endorsements must deliver on their promises.
Correct!
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 1st edition and the 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
The correct answer is: False
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 1st edition and the 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams.
10. Fake charities
While looking for recipes online, you notice an ad from the “Transnational Monetary Relief Foundation”. They are requesting monetary donation to help victims of a recent earthquake, hurricane, or flood. You naturally feel for the victims and want to help. What should you do?
Correct!
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 1st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information.
The correct answer is: C
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 1st edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information.
11. Phishing scams or identity theft
You receive an email from your bank. It says your personal information in your profile has expired and needs to be confirmed to keep your account open. The email features a link to a website where you are asked to enter personal information, such as your date of birth, social insurance number or credit card number.
What should you do?
Correct!
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information on Identity theft and Phishing scams.
The correct answer is: C
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 2nd edition of The Little Black Book of Scams for more information on Identity theft and Phishing scams.
12. Who is typically targeted?
Who is typically vulnerable to becoming a targeted victim of fraud?
Correct!
Who is typically targeted?
Six brightly dressed superheroes stand together and are ready to fight fraud. The diverse cast of the superhero team ranges in different ages. From left to right, they include:
- a sitting grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape;
- an elderly man with a grey beard in a purple superhero suit, waving hello with his right hand;
- a red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit with a small smile;
- a teenage boy in a red superhero suit is giving a thumbs-up;
- a smiling teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit; and
- a muscular man in a blue superhero suit with a big smile.
The diversity of the superhero team represents the fact that anyone is capable of fighting fraud.
Every demographic is at risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Scammers are adaptable and clever. Don't be a victim: stay informed.
The correct answer is: D
Who is typically targeted?
Six brightly dressed superheroes stand together and are ready to fight fraud. The diverse cast of the superhero team ranges in different ages. From left to right, they include:
- a sitting grey, blue-eyed dog wearing a purple superhero cape;
- an elderly man with a grey beard in a purple superhero suit, waving hello with his right hand;
- a red-haired woman in a yellow superhero suit with a small smile;
- a teenage boy in a red superhero suit is giving a thumbs-up;
- a smiling teenage girl in a lime green superhero suit; and
- a muscular man in a blue superhero suit with a big smile.
The diversity of the superhero team represents the fact that anyone is capable of fighting fraud.
Every demographic is at risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Scammers are adaptable and clever. Don't be a victim: stay informed.
- Date modified: