Avoiding Scams in Canada: A Safety Guide for Newcomers

Immigration scams: scammers impersonate IRCC and threaten deportation unless immediate payment is made. Government officials do not demand immediate payments over the phone.

CRA tax scams: callers claim you owe unpaid taxes and demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The CRA never requests gift card payments.

Rental scams: fake listings with photos of properties the scammer doesn't own. Warning signs include requests for deposits before viewing, landlords who refuse to meet in person, and unusually low rental prices.

Employment scams: fraudulent job offers requesting upfront payments for training, equipment, or visa processing. Legitimate employers never charge applicants.

How to protect yourself: never share your SIN or banking details unless verified; verify government communication using official phone numbers from government websites; avoid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments to unknown individuals.

If you experience a scam: contact your bank, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, inform local police, and monitor your credit reports.