How can I protect myself against these scams?
Your best protection is to be careful when you receive phone calls and emails from anyone that you do not know personally. Do not give personal information to anyone you are not sure about.
Be suspicious of any calls or emails that ask for your address, Social Insurance Number, bank account, or credit card numbers. Banks and government agencies will not call or email you to ask for this information.
A fake email or website can look like it is from a real bank or other institution. If you are not sure, do not click on any links or give any information. Instead, call or visit your bank to ask about it.
Get proof that the call or email asking for help is really from your relative or friend. Ask the caller or sender a question that only your relative or friend would be able to answer correctly.
Even if the call seems real, you can suggest other ways to help where you don’t have to send money or give personal information. For example, you can offer to buy a plane or train ticket in their name. Or you can offer to get help by calling the police in the city where the caller claims to be.
If a call or an email sounds or looks suspicious, just hang up the telephone or delete the email.
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