Recognizing common scams is an important first step, but knowing how to protect yourself and what to do if something goes wrong is just as important.
In Part 2 of our Student Scam Awareness series, we share practical ways students and newcomers can protect their money, online accounts and personal information, as well as the steps to take if they believe they have been targeted by fraud.
🛡️ Simple Ways to Protect Yourself From Scams
You do not need to recognize every type of scam to stay safer. Building a few simple habits can help reduce your risk.
Stop Before You Act
Scammers often use urgency, fear or excitement to pressure people into making quick decisions.
If you receive an unexpected request for money or personal information, take time to verify it first. Do not let threats, deadlines or attractive offers pressure you into acting immediately.
Verify Independently
Do not rely only on the phone number, email address or website link provided in an unexpected message.
Instead:
- Visit the organization’s official website
- Call a verified customer-service number
- Sign in through the organization’s official app or account portal
- Contact your school, bank or government agency directly
Independent verification can help you identify impersonation scams before sharing information or sending money.
Protect Your Online Accounts
Email, banking and social media accounts can contain valuable personal information.
Help protect them by:
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Using screen locks on phones and computers
- Keeping software and security updates current
- Avoiding password reuse across important accounts
Never share your password, PIN or one-time verification code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Protect Your Personal Information
Be careful when sharing sensitive information, including:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Passport information
- Study permit details
- Banking and credit card information
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Account passwords
- Security or verification codes
Before providing personal information, ask why it is needed, how it will be used and whether the organization is legitimate.
The more information a scammer obtains, the easier it may become to impersonate you or attempt identity fraud.
Ask Someone You Trust
If you are unsure about a message, payment request or offer, ask someone for a second opinion.
You may speak with a:
- Friend or family member
- School or international student advisor
- Bank employee
- Government representative
- Police or fraud-prevention organization
A legitimate organization should generally give you enough time to verify a request before taking action.
🚨 What Should You Do If You Have Been Scammed?
If you believe you have sent money or shared personal or account information with a scammer, act as quickly as possible.
1. Stop Communication
Stop responding to the suspected scammer and do not send additional money. Be cautious if someone claims they can recover your lost money for another fee, as this could be another scam.
2. Contact Your Financial Institution
If money or banking information is involved, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately.
Ask whether they can:
- Stop or reverse a transaction
- Block or replace a compromised card
- Secure your online banking
- Monitor your account for suspicious activity
Reporting the issue quickly may help limit further losses.
3. Secure Your Accounts
If you shared a password or entered login information on a suspicious website:
- Change the affected password immediately
- Update other accounts that use the same password
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Review recent login activity
- Sign out of unfamiliar devices or sessions
Pay particular attention to your email account, as it may be used to reset passwords for other services.
4. Report the Fraud
Fraud and attempted fraud can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
Depending on the situation, you may also need to contact your local police, particularly if money, identity theft or personal safety is involved.Suspicious text messages can also be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM).
5. Protect Your Identity
If sensitive personal information has been exposed:
- Monitor bank and credit card statements
- Review your credit reports
- Watch for unfamiliar accounts or credit inquiries
- Contact Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada if appropriate
- Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file
Keep copies of suspicious emails, messages, receipts and transaction records in case they are needed when reporting the incident.
6. Contact the Relevant Organization
Depending on the type of scam, you may also need to contact:
- CRA: for suspicious activity involving your tax account
- Service Canada: if your SIN may have been misused
- IRCC: for immigration-related fraud
- Your bank: for compromised banking or payment information
- Your educational institution: for tuition, admission or student-account fraud
- Your mobile or internet provider: if your account or phone number may have been compromised
Always contact these organizations through their official websites or verified contact information.
✅ Before You Pay, Click or Share: Check First
Before sending money, clicking a link or providing personal information, ask yourself:
- Was I expecting this message?
- Do I know who I am communicating with?
- Can I verify the request independently?
- Am I being pressured to act immediately?
- Is the payment method unusual?
- Does the offer seem too good to be true?
- Why does this person need my personal information?
- Can I confirm this with my school, bank or someone I trust first?
If something does not seem right, stop and verify before taking action.
📝Reminder: Stay Alert and Act Quickly
Remember to pause before acting, verify unexpected requests independently and protect your accounts, money and personal information. If you suspect fraud, stop communicating with the scammer, contact your financial institution, secure your accounts, protect your identity and report the incident promptly.
💡Just arrived in Canada and want to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle? Check out our Newcomer Magazine to help you feel right at home!
Related Articles:
