Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Bulletin: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

** Sharing on behalf of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre **

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is reminding Canadians about frauds targeting seniors across Canada.

Fraudsters often use pressure, fear, trust, or emotional manipulation to convince victims to send money or share personal and financial information. Seniors are frequently targeted through investment fraud, prize fraud, romance fraud, emergency fraud, and frauds involving impersonation of financial institutions or trusted organizations.

Investment fraud: fraudsters promote fake investment opportunities that promise high returns with little or no risk. Victims may be encouraged to invest in cryptocurrency platforms or other fraudulent investments.

Prize fraud: victims are falsely told they have won a prize, lottery, or contest but must first pay fees, taxes, or processing costs to claim it.

Relationship fraud: fraudsters build relationships online to gain trust and create emotional connections before asking for money, gifts, or financial assistance. Emergency fraud: fraudsters impersonate a grandchild, family member, or loved one claiming there is an emergency that requires immediate money for bail, legal fees, or medical expenses.

Fraud investigator / bank investigator: fraudsters impersonate financial institutions, law enforcement, or fraud departments and claim accounts have been compromised. Victims may be pressured to move money, provide banking information, or hand over bank cards to a courier.

Warning signs

• Pressure to act immediately.
• Requests to keep conversations secret.
• Promises of guaranteed profits, winnings, or prizes.
• Requests for upfront payments, fees, or taxes.
• Requests for passwords, banking information, or multi-factor authentication codes.
• Instructions to send money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or cash.
• Unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages.
• Emotional manipulation intended to create panic, fear, or urgency.
• Requests to allow remote access to your phone or computer.
• Phone numbers or caller ID information that appear legitimate but may be spoofed.

How to protect yourself

• Slow down and verify before sending money or sharing information.
• Never send money because of pressure, fear, or threats.
• Independently contact organizations using trusted phone numbers or websites.
• Do not share passwords or multi-factor authentication codes.
• Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or requests for money.
• Talk to someone you trust before making financial decisions.
• Never allow unknown individuals remote access to your devices.
• Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police. Also visit the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website to report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.