Types of Scam

Learn How Scammers Trick You

From cryptocurrency schemes to phishing attacks, scammers are getting smarter and more deceptive. Explore the most common scams and learn how they work so you never fall victim.

Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency fraud is exploding across Canada. Scammers use romance, fake trading platforms, and “get rich quick” promises to lure victims.

Common tactics include:

Pig Butchering: Emotional grooming via dating apps or social media.
Pump & Dump: Inflating crypto prices, then cashing out.
Mining Scams: Fake operations demanding upfront fees.
ICO Scams: Fraudulent coin launches with fake documentation.

Stay skeptical of guaranteed returns, exclusive tips, or pressure to act fast. Always verify platforms and consult registered financial professionals.

Social Media Scams

Facebook, Messenger, and other platforms are breeding grounds for fraud. Scammers exploit emotional stories, fake profiles, and viral posts to steal money or data.

Watch out for:

Fake Fundraisers: Using tragic stories to solicit donations.
Giveaway Scams: Asking for credit card info to “claim prizes.”
Cloned Accounts: Impersonating friends to push scam links.
Romance Scams: Building trust, then draining your bank account.

Never click suspicious links or share personal information through social media. Always verify before donating or engaging.

Investment & Affinity Scams

Scammers target your trust. Whether it’s a seminar, a friend’s tip, or someone from your community, they promise high returns and zero risk.

Common scams include:

Ponzi Schemes: Paying early investors with new investor money.
Affinity Fraud: Targeting religious, ethnic, or social groups.
Seminar Pressure Tactics: Urging you to invest on the spot.
Fake Fixed-Income Offers: Spoofing real companies with inflated returns.

Always check if the seller is registered with your provincial securities regulator. If it sounds too good to be true—it is.

Auto Insurance Scams

Staged accidents and fake injury claims cost Canadians millions. Fraudsters manipulate traffic situations to file inflated claims.

Watch for:

Rear-End Setups: Sudden braking to make you crash.
Wave & Hit: Pretending to give right of way, then denying it.
Tow Truck Kickbacks: Steering you to corrupt repair shops.
Fake Pink Slips: Selling counterfeit insurance documents.

If something feels off, document everything, call the police, and notify your insurer immediately.

Refund & Recovery Scams

These scams target people who’ve already lost money. A fake “helper” offers to recover your funds—for a fee. It’s a trap.

Common tactics include:

Claiming to be from a government agency or law firm.
Asking for upfront payments or personal information.
Sending fake refund checks and requesting partial returns.
Using emotional manipulation to gain trust.

No legitimate agency will ask for payment to help you recover lost money. If they do—it’s a scam.

Real Cases & Technology

Scams aren’t just theory—they’re happening now. Learn from real cases:

Crypto King Arrested:
Aiden Pleterski allegedly defrauded investors of $41.5M, spending it on jets, cars, and mansions.
BioCatch Technology:
Behavioral biometrics used by banks to detect fraud in real time.