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Avoiding phone scams and other phising techniques

The amount of spam calls increased this year – use these tips to identify potential scammers and put an end to phony calls once and for all!

Common Scams

  • A Government Agency demanding immediate action with threat of arrest.
  • Bank fraud alerts requesting personal information over the phone
  • Free cruise or vacation offers
  • Free medical test kits or treatments
  • Debt relief or credit repair

Calls from Unknown Numbers

  • Do Not Pick Up! Legitimate callers will leave a voicemail or send a text. Answering robocalls or spam calls increases your chances of receiving even more.
  • Search the Number on the web along with the word “scam” to see if it’s been reported before.
  • Do Not Respond to Questions like “Can you Hear me?” A recorded “yes” can be twisted to mean you agreed to a purchase or charge.
  • Do Not Provide Personal information or payment over the phone to an unverified caller.

Call ID Can Be Deceiving

  • Spoofing
    The call appears to be coming from a number you recognize, like a bank’s customer service line, insurance office, or in some cases, your own phone number.
  • Neighbouring
    The call comes from a number in your area code in hopes that you’ll be more likely to answer.

Reporting Unwanted Calls

  • Telephone Scams and Spoofing
    Report the call to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre online or by phone, or notify local law enforcement. Visit their website or call 1 (888) 495-8501
  • Sales Calls/Robocalls
    Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry, a free service blocking you from receiving sales calls. If unwanted calls continue after 31 days on the registry you should file a complaint on the Government of Canada website.

Blocking Out Scammers

There are several apps and features through your cell phone provider to block these pesky spam calls.

48% of all unwanted calls in Canada come from scammers.1 Canada is the 11th most spammed country in the world.1

(source1. Turcaller Insights: top 20 countries affected by spam calls & sms in 2019)

  • Your Wireless Carrier
    The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications now requires telecom companies to provide systems that block out or filter scams and other illegal calls. Contact your provider to learn your options.
  • Apps: Block Spam and Robocalls
    For little-to-no cost, you can use smartphone apps to block spam calls. Popular apps include Hiya, Nomorobo, YouMail Voicemail & Spam Block and Truecaller.
  • On Your Cell Phone
    Many smartphones have settings that can block calls from numbers you’ve never contacted before. Keep in mind, this setting may also block legitimate people from getting in touch if they are calling for the first time.

*Please Note: the referencing of third party apps is for illustrative purposes and does not indicate an endorsement. Independently research the suitability or trustworthiness of any app before using it.

Source: 2020 Buffini & Company All Rights Reserved.

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