Fraud Prevention
Protect yourself against fraud.
Fraud is a serious threat that affects individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. From identity theft to financial fraud, the consequences can be devastating, but there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. To prevent fraud, knowing how to recognize the different forms it can take is essential.
Fake Package Delivery Scams
Scammers send texts or emails pretending to be delivery companies, claiming they can’t find your address or need you to verify information, often using professional language and official-looking logos. Their goal is to trick you into providing personal or financial details or clicking malicious links. Remember, legitimate delivery services will not contact you unsolicited. Notifications are only sent if you’ve opted in and provided your information directly.
How to avoid delivery scams:
- Keep track of your orders: Double check your orders and know what packages you are expecting, what companies they are coming from and when.
- Know delivery company policies: Delivery companies will send messages usually within decure online portals, not unsoliced calls or texts.
- Never give personal information: If you receive an unsolicited call or text, never give your information without confirming the legitimacy. You can contact the company directly yourself to confirm.
Job Scams
Looking for seasonal work can be a great way to earn extra income during the holidays, but not all opportunities are legitimate. Being proactive is important, but always be wary of positions that seem too good to be true.
How to avoid job scams:
- Employers won't ask for payment: Business should not ask you to provide payment for supplies, application or training fees. These expenses should be paid for by the employer, not you.
- Be cautious of offers that don't require interviews: Reputable companies prefer to talk to candidates before giving them jobs. Be sure to question the offer if it comes without an interview or only online.
- Be cautious of large payments for small jobs: If a company promises larger than normal wages for simple tasks, use your judgement to determine if this offer is just attempting to steal your personal information from fake application processes.
- Never work for a company before they hire you: Legitimate companies will not ask applicants to complete projects before making official offers. Request an offer letter or written confirmation before beginning the work.
Identity Theft
When someone uses your personal information to commit fraudulent activities, such as opening credit accounts or making unauthorized purchases.
Financial Fraud
This occurs when someone takes money or other assets from you through deception or criminal activities such as; Ponzi schemes, investment fraud, CRA scams, or credit card fraud.
Phishing Scams
Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or financial details by posing as a legitimate entity. This often occurs through emails, phone calls, or fake websites.
Keep your accounts secure
We live in an age where everything we need is at our fingertips. This means we need to be mindful of keeping our information and accounts safe. Take simple steps to protect yourself:
- Use unique and complex passphrases and passwords for every account
- Use Multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security on accounts and devices
- Secure password managers can keep track of your many unique passwords
- Ensure you are using private, secure Wi-Fi networks when accessing your accounts
You should immediately:
- notify your financial institution and the local police
- call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281
- contact a credit reporting agency such as Equifax
- keep records of recent transactions and payments
- if nessecary, replace identity cards such as your health card, driver's liecnce or SIN by calling 1-800-622-6232
We have a number of options for you to set up through online banking, such as;
- Account alerts allow you to monitor specific accounts so you can track activities such as withdrawals, account balances, insufficient funds, and failed transactions. To set up this feature, see our virtual demo.
- Biometrics (face recognition or thumbprint) to log into your mobile app. Steps to set up this feature can be found on our FAQs page.
- The Lock'n'Block card feature allows you to "lock" your member card and "block" a variety of unwanted or unauthorized debit card functions or transactions.To set up this feature, see our virtual demo.
It is best to hang up or not click on the text/email. Then call our MemberLine department toll free at 1-877-828-4343 to verify the correspondence is legitamate.
In the age of technology, malware is one of the most common methods of cyber attacks, but there are steps you can take to make yourself less vulnerable:
- Install and use anti-malware software
- Beware of downloads - use official app stores to download apps and preform updates
- Spot the signs of malware on your device - programs crashing without warning, devices freezing, and general poor performance
Click here to learn more about malware.
Check out the Government of Canada's Little Black Book of Scams to learn more about protection against common fraud scams.
