Spot the Scam
Five short videos based on real scams that target Canadians. Watch what happens, then see if you can spot the red flags.
Put what you've learned to the test
You've seen how scams work, where they reach us, and the warning signs to watch for. Now it's time to put that knowledge to work. In each video, someone faces a situation many Canadians run into, and has to decide what to do.
1. Watch
Play the short video right here on the page.
2. Read
A quick summary of what happened and how it was handled.
3. Check
Choose Yes or No for each possible red flag and see the answer right away.
Every answer links to the part of this site that explains it, so you can go back and learn more.
The videos
A Call From My Pension
What happened?
In this video, someone who gets a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) pension receives an unexpected phone call from a person who says they're with the CPP. The caller says they were overpaid and must pay the money back over the phone. If they don't, their CPP payments and account will be frozen.
The person didn't remember ever getting an overpayment, and the call felt off. Instead of reacting to the pressure, they took a moment to stop and think. They decided not to give out any credit card or banking information over the phone. They would contact the CPP themselves to find out if there really was a problem.
Which of these were red flags?
Choose Yes or No for each one to see the answer.
An unexpected phone call
Phone calls are one of the most common ways scammers reach us. Treat any unexpected call about money with caution. Don't trust caller ID: scammers can make any name or number show up on your screen, even "Government of Canada." If you can't confirm who you're talking to, don't share anything sensitive. Hang up and call back using a number you look up yourself.
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Phone
Contact from the CPP
In this video the caller was a scammer, but the CPP and Service Canada really do contact people about their accounts. They use mail, phone, text and email. Don't dismiss a call like this, but check that it's real before you act. If you're not sure whether a call or letter is real, call the CPP yourself at 1-800-277-9914, or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). Learn how Service Canada contacts you and how to confirm it's really them ↗
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: Not every scary message is a scam
Being told about a payment mistake
Government systems can make mistakes, even with payments. But whenever someone tells you about a payment error, especially one that means you owe money, check that it really happened before you do anything else. A real CPP overpayment comes with a written notice that says how much you owe and how you can pay it back. You can also check your payment details in My Service Canada Account.
Learn more: Know the Scams: Impersonation Scams
A threat to freeze your payments and account
Threats are meant to make you panic so you act before you think. Real government agencies fix problems through a formal process. They send written notices and give you time to respond. They don't give you an ultimatum in a single phone call. Even when an overpayment is real, you can often pay it back over time, for example through deductions from future payments. If a call makes you afraid of losing income you rely on, that fear is probably on purpose. Slow down.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Urgency, Threats) · Know the Scams: Fear-Based Threats
Being asked to pay over the phone
Never give your credit card or banking details to someone who called you, no matter who they say they are. Only share that information when you made the call, to a number you found yourself. Service Canada says it won't ask for your personal information when it contacts you. If you really do owe money, your official notice will tell you how to pay.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Never Give Personal Information When Someone Calls You, and Hang Up and Call Back
If a call about your pension or benefits asks for a payment or personal information, hang up. Call the CPP yourself at 1-800-277-9914, or sign in to My Service Canada Account. If there really is a problem, it will still be there when you call back.
Learn more
On this site
- Spot Red Flags: the Pause List of warning signs, including threats and requests for personal information
- Where They Reach Us: why phone calls are risky and how caller ID can be faked
- Protect Yourself: the "Hang Up and Call Back" habit
- Know the Scams: how impersonation scams work
- Report & Respond: what to do if you've already shared your information
Internet Upgrade
What happened?
In this video, a man answers a knock at his door. The visitor says the internet provider is upgrading the local network and installing a new switch at every house so homes can get the faster service. He promises much better speeds and a stronger connection. To confirm who the account holder is and pay the fee for the switch, the visitor asks for some personal information and a credit card number.
The man hadn't heard anything about a network upgrade, and he wasn't comfortable giving his credit card to a stranger. When he said he wanted to check with his internet provider first, the installer pushed back. He insisted the upgrade was necessary and said the man's service would be cut off without it. The man didn't give in to the pressure. He went with his gut, closed the door, and contacted his internet provider directly to check.
Which of these were red flags?
Choose Yes or No for each one to see the answer.
An unexpected visitor at the door
A knock at the door feels more personal than a phone call, and it's harder to turn someone away when they're standing in front of you. Scammers count on that, because most of us want to be polite. You never have to open the door, let anyone in, or make a decision on the spot. It's always OK to say, "I'll look into it and call my provider myself."
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Door-to-Door
Someone saying they're from your internet provider
The visitor in this video wasn't who he said he was, but internet and phone companies really do send technicians and salespeople door to door. A real representative should be able to show company ID and should be fine with you checking before you agree to anything. Ask for their name and ID, then call your provider using the number on your bill or their official website, not a number the visitor gives you.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Hang Up and Call Back
A surprise upgrade promising much faster internet
Scams usually start with either a threat or an opportunity. This one used both: a network change you'd never heard about, plus the promise of much faster internet. When a service you already have suddenly "needs" something, check with the company directly. Real changes to your service are usually announced ahead of time on your bill, in your online account, or by email or mail.
Learn more: Know the Scams: How scams work: the formula
Needing new equipment for an upgrade
Technology changes, and upgrades sometimes do need new equipment, like a new modem or router. That's what makes this story believable, and it's why scammers use it. The problem isn't the equipment. It's how the visitor wanted you to handle it: right now, at your door, with your credit card. Real equipment changes are arranged through your account with your provider, at a time you agree to.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: Not every scary message is a scam
Being asked for personal and credit card information
Never give personal or credit card information to someone who comes to you, whether they call, email or knock on your door. Your real provider already knows who the account holder is and has your payment details on file. A new fee would normally be added to your bill or set up through your account. Only share this information when you're the one who contacted the company.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Requests for Personal Information)
Pushback and a threat to cut off service when you wanted to check first
This was the biggest red flag in the video. A real representative won't mind if you check with the company first. A scammer can't let you check, so they push back and raise the stakes, like threatening to cut off your service. When someone pressures you not to verify, that pressure tells you what you need to know.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Urgency, Threats)
You never have to decide anything at the door. Ask for a name and a business card, close the door, and call your provider using the number on your bill or their website. A real representative will understand. Anyone who pushes back is showing you who they really are.
Learn more
On this site
- Where They Reach Us: door-to-door visits and how to handle them
- Spot Red Flags: the Pause List of warning signs, including threats and requests for personal information
- Protect Yourself: the "Hang Up and Call Back" habit, which works at the door too
- Know the Scams: the scam formula, and how scammers use opportunity and urgency
- Report & Respond: what to do if you've already shared your card or personal information
A Social Media Plea
What happened?
In this video, a man gets a message on social media from Paul, someone he knows from his bridge club. They aren't especially close, but Paul seems to be in trouble and is asking for money. At first the man is worried and wants to help. But instead of acting on the plea right away, he takes a closer look. Some things don't add up, and he starts to suspect the message may not really be from Paul after all.
Which of these were red flags?
Choose Yes or No for each one to see the answer.
A message on social media
Social media is a normal way to keep in touch, and lots of real messages from friends arrive there. The channel isn't the warning sign. What matters is what the message asks you to do, and how it makes you feel.
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Putting it all together
A message from someone you know
This message didn't really come from Paul, but people we know do reach out on social media, and sometimes they really do need help. A familiar name and photo just aren't proof on their own. Scammers can take over someone's account, or copy their name and profile picture to make a look-alike account. Before you act, check that it's really them.
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Social Media
A request for money in a message
Check any request for money that arrives by message before you send anything, no matter who it seems to come from. Contact the person another way: call a number you already have for them, or ask them in person. If the request is real, they won't mind you checking.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Talk to Someone Before Sending Money
Being asked by someone you're not close to
People in real trouble usually turn to family and close friends first. When a casual acquaintance suddenly asks you for money, it's fair to wonder why they came to you. When scammers take over an account, they often message everyone on the friends list, hoping someone will respond.
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Social Media
A plea that makes you want to help right away
Scammers know how powerful kindness is. A story about someone in trouble is meant to make you worried and eager to act, before you stop to check. Wanting to help is a good thing. Just let that feeling be your cue to pause.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Emotional Pressure) · Know the Scams: Emotional Manipulation
If someone asks you for money in a message, check with them another way before you send anything. Call a number you already have, or ask them in person. If their account has been hacked, letting them know helps protect everyone else on their friends list too.
Learn more
On this site
- Where They Reach Us: how scammers use social media, including fake and hacked accounts
- Know the Scams: emotional manipulation scams, including friendship scams
- Spot Red Flags: the Pause List, including emotional pressure and unusual payment methods
- Protect Yourself: talking to someone before sending money, and two-factor authentication to keep your own account safe
- Report & Respond: what to do if you've already sent money
The $2 Delivery Fee
What happened?
In this video, a man gets a message saying he owes $2.47 in duty fees on a delivery, and that the fee must be paid before the package can be released. He can't remember ordering anything, but thinks it might be something his wife ordered without mentioning it. He tries to find out more about the package, but the message gives no details, only a link. He doesn't want to click it in case it gives him a virus or tracks what he does.
With no safe way to follow up, he decides to play it safe and not pay. He realizes that even a small charge can be a scam. Scammers send the same message to huge numbers of people, and one click can open the door to viruses and to your personal information.
Which of these were red flags?
Choose Yes or No for each one to see the answer.
A message about a delivery
Many of us get real delivery updates by text or email, especially when we shop online. A message about a package isn't a warning sign by itself. What matters is what it asks you to do. For example, Canada Post says it will never text or email you asking for payment to release or track a delivery.
Learn more: Where They Reach Us: Text / SMS
A package you can't place
When you can't match a delivery to something you ordered, check before you act. Maybe someone in your home ordered it, and scammers count on that uncertainty. They send the same message to huge numbers of people, knowing many will have a package on the way. Ask the people in your household, and check your order confirmation emails or online accounts.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Slow Down and Pause
Duty fees on a package
Duty and taxes on items shipped from outside Canada are real, and sometimes you do have to pay them before you get your package. That's what makes this message believable. The fee isn't the problem. Before you pay any fee, check it on the delivery company's own website or app, using a tracking number from your order, not from the message. For Canada Post, tracking your item on its website is the safest way to see whether any fees are due.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: Not every scary message is a scam
A small fee to release the package
A charge of a few dollars can feel too small to worry about, and that's the point. Scammers send the same message to thousands of people, so small amounts add up. Often the fee is just bait: once you enter your card details on their payment page, they can use your card for much bigger charges or sell your information.
Learn more: Know the Scams: What are scammers after?
No details about the package, only a link
A real delivery notice usually includes details you can check yourself, like the sender or a tracking number you can look up on the carrier's own website. This message offered no way to check it except its own link. Links in unexpected messages can lead to fake websites built to steal your card and personal information, or to harmful software. Don't click. If you can't check a message safely, don't act on it.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Never Click Unfamiliar Links
If a message asks you to pay to release a package, don't click the link. Go to the delivery company's website or app yourself and check your tracking there. If you can't find a safe way to check, it's OK to ignore the message. You can report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
Learn more
On this site
- Where They Reach Us: text message and email scams, and why links are risky
- Protect Yourself: the "Never Click Unfamiliar Links" habit
- Spot Red Flags: how to tell a real message from a fake one
- Know the Scams: what scammers are really after, including your money and personal information
- Report & Respond: what to do if you already clicked the link or entered your card details
Virus Detected
What happened?
In this video, a pop-up appears on someone's tablet warning that it has a virus. The warning looks alarming and says immediate action is needed to protect the device. They feel the stress and pressure of the moment and want to act fast, before the virus can get to their information.
But instead of reacting right away, they take a moment to pause and think. They realize it's more likely that the pop-up itself would cause a virus or steal their information. So they close the window instead of clicking the link, because acting quickly is exactly what the scammers want.
Which of these were red flags?
Choose Yes or No for each one to see the answer.
A pop-up while you're browsing
Pop-ups and ads are a normal, if annoying, part of using the internet, and seeing one doesn't mean anything is wrong with your device. What matters is what the pop-up claims and what it wants you to do.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: Not every scary message is a scam
A warning that your device has a virus
A website can't scan your tablet or tell whether it has a virus. Real security alerts come from your device's own settings or from security software you chose to install, not from a pop-up on a web page. Companies like Microsoft and Apple don't send virus warnings through browser pop-ups.
Learn more: Know the Scams: Tech Support Scams
"Immediate action required"
The alarming design, the warning language and the pressure to act right now are all meant to make you panic. When you're frightened, it's harder to think clearly, and that's what the scammer is counting on. If a message makes your heart race, treat that feeling as your cue to slow down.
Learn more: Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Urgency, Emotional Pressure)
A link to click to fix the problem
The pop-up's "fix" is the real danger. Clicking can take you to a fake website that asks for payment or personal information, install harmful software, or connect you with a scammer who wants remote access to your device. Never click a link or call a number shown in a pop-up like this.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Never Click Unfamiliar Links · Spot Red Flags: The Pause List (Requests for Remote Access)
The risk of viruses on your device
Viruses and online threats are real, and it's smart to protect your devices. That's what makes this pop-up believable. Real protection comes from steps you take yourself: keep your tablet's software up to date, only install apps from the official app store, and if you're ever unsure, ask a trusted family member or a reputable local computer shop.
Learn more: Protect Yourself: Set up barriers
If a pop-up says your device has a virus, don't click anything in it and don't call any number it shows. Close the browser tab or app. If it won't close, restart your tablet or computer. Your device is almost certainly fine; the pop-up is the scam.
Learn more
On this site
- Know the Scams: tech support scams and how they work
- Spot Red Flags: try "The Virus Warning Pop-Up" in the Scam or Legit? quiz
- Protect Yourself: the "Never Click Unfamiliar Links" habit, plus barriers like strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Report & Respond: what to do if you already clicked, paid, or let someone into your device
What did you notice?
A phone call, a knock at the door, a message from a friend, a delivery notice and a pop-up. Five very different situations, but the same patterns kept showing up:
- Pressure to act right now, often with a threat of what would happen if you didn't.
- A request for money, card details or personal information, sometimes disguised as something small or helpful.
- Only one way to respond: through the caller, the visitor, the message or the link they gave you.
And in every video, the turning point was the same: the person paused instead of reacting.
When something feels off, pause. Hang up, close the door or close the window, then check using a phone number, website or person you already trust. A real organization will be fine with that. A scammer won't.
You are not alone, and support is available. Our Report & Respond section walks you through what to do right now, where to report, and free support services for Canadians.