Texting Fraud in Canada: What You Need to Know

Texting fraud, also known as SMS phishing or smishing, involves cybercriminals sending deceptive text messages to unsuspecting individuals. These messages often appear legitimate, enticing recipients to click on links or provide personal information. As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by fraudsters. Here’s what you should know about texting fraud in Canada:

Common Scams:

1. Phishing Messages: Fraudsters impersonate trusted organizations (banks, government agencies, etc.) and send text messages requesting sensitive information or urging recipients to click on malicious links.
2. Prize Scams: Victims receive texts claiming they’ve won a prize or lottery. To claim it, they’re asked to provide personal details or pay a fee.
3. Financial Scams: Scammers send urgent messages about account issues, payment requests, or suspicious transactions, hoping recipients will panic and respond without thinking.
4. COVID-19 Scams: During the pandemic, fraudsters exploited fear and uncertainty by sending fake health alerts or vaccine-related messages.

Protect Yourself:

1. Be Skeptical: Don’t trust unsolicited texts, especially if they ask for personal information or contain urgent requests.
2. Verify: If you receive a message from a bank or government agency, verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly (using official contact details).
3. Avoid Clicking Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Be cautious even if the message appears to come from a legitimate source.
4. Don’t Share Personal Information: Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive data via text. Never share your Social Insurance Number, credit card details, or passwords.
5. Report Suspicious Texts: If you receive a spam text, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or call 1-888-495-8501. Gather documentation for your report.

Recent Cases:

• Psychic Swindler: A Canadian con artist was sentenced to 10 years in the U.S. for a $175 million psychic mail fraud scheme.
• Grandparent Scam: Canada’s Big Six banks are responding to the “grandparent scam,” where fraudsters pose as distressed family members seeking financial help.
• Phishing Platform Disruption: An international investigation led to the disruption of a phishing-as-a-service platform called LabHost.

Stay vigilant, and remember that prevention is key. Report any suspicious texts promptly to protect yourself and others from falling victim to texting fraud.