CSNP Senior Scam Prevention Checklist
Red flags to watch for - Keep this near your phone and computer | From csnp.org
GOLDEN RULE: When in doubt, hang up and call someone you trust!
This guide uses larger text for easier reading. Print it and keep it near your phone and computer.
Red Flags Checklist
If you see ANY of these warning signs, STOP immediately. These are tricks criminals use to steal your money and personal information. Share this with friends and family.
GOLDEN RULES - NEVER BREAK THESE
NEVER give these over phone/email:
- Social Security Number
- 🏦 Bank account numbers
- Passwords
- 💳 Credit card numbers
- 🏥 Medicare number
NEVER pay with:
- Gift cards (iTunes, Google, etc.)
- 💸 Wire transfers to strangers
- ₿ Cryptocurrency/Bitcoin
- Cash through mail
- Money transfer apps to strangers
If someone insists on these = 100% SCAM
Phone Call Red Flags
They say you've won something you didn't enter
Example of scam:
"Congratulations! You've won the Canadian lottery!"
The Truth:
Real lotteries never call winners - you have to check yourself
⚡ What to do: HANG UP IMMEDIATELY
They claim to be from government and need immediate payment
Example of scam:
"This is the IRS. You owe $3,000 in back taxes. Pay now or be arrested."
The Truth:
Government agencies send letters, never threaten arrest over phone
⚡ What to do: HANG UP - Call agency directly using official number
They ask for gift cards as payment
Example of scam:
"Please buy $500 in iTunes cards to pay your electric bill"
The Truth:
NO legitimate company accepts gift cards as payment
⚡ What to do: This is ALWAYS a scam - HANG UP
They say 'Don't tell anyone about this call'
Example of scam:
"This is secret - don't tell your family or they'll be in danger"
The Truth:
Legitimate callers never demand secrecy
⚡ What to do: IMMEDIATELY tell a trusted family member
They know some information about you
Example of scam:
"Hello Mrs. Smith from Toronto, about your Bell account..."
The Truth:
Scammers buy stolen data to seem legitimate
⚡ What to do: Don't confirm ANY information - HANG UP
Quick Test: Can you call them back at an official number? If NO = SCAM
Email & Text Message Red Flags
Urgent action required or account will be closed
Example of scam:
"Your Amazon account will be deleted in 24 hours - Click here now!"
The Truth:
Real companies give weeks of notice, not hours
⚡ What to do: DON'T CLICK - Log in normally to check account
Grammar mistakes or odd phrasing
Example of scam:
"Dear Valued Costumer, Your are account has been compromise"
The Truth:
Real companies have professional writers
⚡ What to do: Poor grammar = SCAM - Delete immediately
Generic greeting instead of your name
Example of scam:
"Dear Customer or Dear Sir/Madam"
The Truth:
Real companies use your actual name
⚡ What to do: No name = Not real - DELETE
Asks you to verify account information
Example of scam:
"Please confirm your password and social security number"
The Truth:
Real companies NEVER ask for passwords via email
⚡ What to do: NEVER reply with personal information
Sender email doesn't match company name
Example of scam:
"From: Amazon Security <joe847@gmail.com>"
The Truth:
Check the actual email address, not just the name
⚡ What to do: Hover over sender name to see real address
Quick Test: Did you expect this email? If NO = SUSPICIOUS
Romance & Friendship Scam Red Flags
They fall in love very quickly
Example of scam:
"After 2 weeks: 'You're my soulmate, I love you'"
The Truth:
Real relationships take time to develop
⚡ What to do: Slow down - Be suspicious of quick emotions
Always have excuses not to meet in person
Example of scam:
"I'm working overseas, military deployment, sick relative"
The Truth:
If they can't video chat or meet = NOT REAL
⚡ What to do: Insist on video call - If they refuse = SCAM
Sudden emergency needing money
Example of scam:
"I'm stuck in another country, need $2000 for plane ticket"
The Truth:
Real friends/partners have other resources
⚡ What to do: NEVER send money to someone you haven't met
Ask you to receive packages or money
Example of scam:
"Can you deposit this check for me and send me the money?"
The Truth:
This makes you part of criminal activity
⚡ What to do: REFUSE - This is money laundering
Their photos look too perfect
Example of scam:
"Professional model-like photos only"
The Truth:
Scammers steal photos from internet
⚡ What to do: Do reverse image search on Google
Quick Test: Have you met them in person? If NO = BE CAREFUL
Investment & Money Red Flags
Guaranteed high returns with no risk
Example of scam:
"Make 50% returns guaranteed! No risk!"
The Truth:
ALL investments have risk - no exceptions
⚡ What to do: No risk = SCAM - Don't invest
Pressure to invest immediately
Example of scam:
"This opportunity ends today! Act now!"
The Truth:
Legitimate investments don't expire in hours
⚡ What to do: Take time to research - Talk to family
Celebrity endorsements in ads
Example of scam:
"Elon Musk recommends this investment!"
The Truth:
Celebrities don't promote investments in ads
⚡ What to do: Celebrity endorsement = FAKE - Avoid
Complex strategy you don't understand
Example of scam:
"Using cryptocurrency arbitrage blockchain technology"
The Truth:
If you can't explain it simply, don't invest
⚡ What to do: Only invest in what you understand
Not registered with financial authorities
Example of scam:
"Can't find them on SEC or provincial securities site"
The Truth:
All legitimate advisors must be registered
⚡ What to do: Check registration before investing
Quick Test: Can you explain the investment to a friend? If NO = DON'T INVEST
Tech Support Scam Red Flags
Pop-up saying your computer is infected
Example of scam:
"WARNING! Your computer has 47 viruses! Call now!"
The Truth:
Real antivirus never shows pop-ups with phone numbers
⚡ What to do: Close browser - Run your antivirus normally
Unsolicited call about computer problems
Example of scam:
"We detected problems with your Windows computer"
The Truth:
Microsoft/Apple NEVER call you first
⚡ What to do: HANG UP - They can't see your computer
Want remote access to your computer
Example of scam:
"Let me connect to fix the problem"
The Truth:
Never let strangers control your computer
⚡ What to do: REFUSE - Take to local repair shop instead
Request payment in gift cards
Example of scam:
"Buy Google Play cards to pay for tech support"
The Truth:
Real tech support takes credit cards or checks
⚡ What to do: Gift cards = SCAM - Hang up
Claim to be from well-known company
Example of scam:
"This is Microsoft technical support"
The Truth:
Big companies don't make unsolicited calls
⚡ What to do: Hang up - Call company yourself if worried
Quick Test: Did you call them first? If NO = SCAM
How to Verify if Something is Real
Someone claims to be from your bank
- 1 Say 'I'll call you back'
- 2 Hang up
- 3 Look at your bank card
- 4 Call the number on the card
- 5 Ask if they called you
Email from a company
- 1 Don't click any links
- 2 Open new browser window
- 3 Type company website yourself
- 4 Log in normally
- 5 Check for notifications
Government agency contact
- 1 Government sends letters first
- 2 Look up agency phone online
- 3 Call them directly
- 4 Ask about the issue
- 5 Get everything in writing
Who to Call for Help
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report any scam attempt
1-888-495-8501
Local Police Non-Emergency
After losing money
Check local number
Your Bank's Fraud Department
Suspicious bank activity
On your bank card
Credit Bureau
Identity theft concerns
Equifax: 1-800-465-7166
Trusted Family Member
When unsure about anything
_______________
✏ Write your trusted family member's number in the space above
Download Scam Red Flags Checklist
Get our printable wallet card with scam warning signs to keep with you at all times.
Share This With Friends & Family
Scammers target seniors every day. Help protect your community by sharing this checklist. Print copies for friends who don't use computers.
Remember: It's OKAY to be suspicious!
Legitimate companies understand you being careful. Anyone who gets angry when you want to verify them is a SCAMMER. When in doubt, hang up and call someone you trust.