How To Avoid Online Scams Targeting Seniors

Common Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Stay Safe From Them

Online crooks aim for fast money and quick fear. Knowing how to avoid online scams helps you avoid online scams targeting seniors in Canada.

Grandparent Scam

A caller sounds shaken and says your grandchild is in trouble. They may claim a crash, an arrest, or a late-night bail payment. The scammer often knows names from public posts and old phone lists. Sometimes the voice is faked and a bit glitchy, but urgent.

Slow everything down, even when your heart starts racing. Call the grandchild or a parent using a saved number. Ask a “family-only” question that a stranger cannot answer. Set a simple family password today, then use it on calls. Never send cash, gift cards, or any e-Transfer to strangers.

Financial Services Scam

A text or email warns that your bank account is “locked” right now. The message may look clean, with logos, links, and fake case numbers. After you click, a copied sign-in page steals your password and codes. On the other hand, some callers push a “safe account transfer” story.

Treat surprise money alerts as suspicious, even when they feel official. Sign in by typing the bank address yourself, not a link. Never share one-time codes, even with a calm, helpful voice. Also set up account alerts and watch for tiny test charges. Keep daily transfer limits low, so mistakes cost less.

Tech Support Scam

A pop-up claims your computer has a virus and needs urgent help. It may flash red warnings, loud beeps, and a phone number to call. If you call, the “helper” asks to control your screen remotely. Then files get locked, passwords get grabbed, and payment demands follow.

Close the browser window, or restart the device if needed. Do not call numbers from pop-ups, not even once. Use a trusted local repair shop or a known tech helper instead. In addition, keep updates on and use strong email passwords. Turn off remote access tools unless you truly need them.

Government Impersonation Scam

A caller says they are from the CRA or Service Canada. They warn about arrest, frozen benefits, or a blocked SIN. They demand gift cards, crypto, or an instant e-Transfer “right away.” The pressure is intense, however real offices do not act like that.

Government offices do not take gift cards or crypto for debts. Hang up and find the official number on a letter or bill. Ask for a file number, then call back through trusted channels. Also keep notes with dates, names, and what was said. If threats continue, report it to local police.

Romance Scam

A new online friend sends warm messages every day. They may share sweet photos, big promises, and quick plans to meet. Soon, the chat moves to private messages and the story gets dramatic. Then comes a “crisis” that needs money, often again and again.

Keep your heart open, but keep your wallet shut, full stop. Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Ask for a live video call and a clear plan to meet safely. Do a reverse image search of profile photos for clues. In addition, talk to a trusted friend before sending anything.

Lottery, Sweepstakes, and Inheritance Scams

A message says you won a prize, a trip, or a cash payout. It may claim a contest you never entered, with bold logos and cheering words. Then comes the catch: fees, taxes, or “release charges” must be paid first. Sometimes a fake cheque arrives and later bounces.

Real prizes do not need upfront fees to release money. Do not share your address, SIN, or banking details to “claim” anything. If a letter looks official, verify using public phone listings, not contact details inside the letter. Also shred mail with personal details, like old statements and ID copies.

Delivery Scam

A text says a parcel is stuck due to missing postage. It may show a tracking number and a short link that feels normal. After you tap, the site asks for a small fee and card details. Later, bigger charges show up, and your card keeps getting tested.

Check delivery status by typing the carrier site, not a random link. Use the tracking number from your receipt, not one inside a text. Also watch for odd spelling, weird sender names, and rushed tone. Turn on card alerts so you spot charges fast. If anything looks off, call the card number on the back.

Cryptocurrency and Gift Card Scams

A scammer insists you must pay with crypto or gift cards today. They may pretend to be a bank “fraud team,” a police officer, or tech support. They coach you step by step at a store checkout. Then they demand the card codes, or push crypto to a “safe wallet.”

Gift cards are for gifts, not bills, not ever. Crypto transfers are hard to reverse, so treat them like cash. If anyone demands these payments, stop and call a trusted person. Also remember: real banks do not ask you to buy cards to “fix” fraud. Make a house rule: no payments without a second check.

Utility Scam

A caller claims your power or gas will be cut off tonight. They may know your name, address, or a past payment date. They demand urgent payment through an e-Transfer, gift cards, or a sketchy link. The goal is panic, because panic makes people pay quickly.

Utilities usually give written notice before shutoffs and offer options. Hang up and call the number on your latest bill, not the caller. Do not trust caller ID, since it can be faked easily. Also check your account using a saved bookmark, not a new link. If money is tight, ask about a payment plan directly.

Conclusion

Online scams can feel loud, but you can stay calm and steady. Pause before you click, pay, or share private details. Check messages by calling a real number you trust. Keep passwords strong, and turn on two-step sign-ins for safety.

Talk with family or a close friend when something feels off. Report tricky scams so others stay safe, too. Your time and money deserve careful protection every day.