**** Anti-Fraud Centre Release

Cyber Security Awareness

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Canadians have turned to the internet for more and more services. There is a huge overlap between fraud and cybercrime. This month, the CAFC asks everyone to take time to learn more about cyber security and how to protect themselves.

Be sure to check this page each week for bulletin updates, follow us on our social media channels, visit Get Cyber Safe for more information and follow them on social media @GetCyberSafe.

Phishing

Phishing scams are associated with misleading and deceptive emails or text messages, falsely claiming to be from a legitimate organization such as a financial institution, business or Government agency. Phishing messages will ask you to click on a link for various reasons. The goal is to steal your personal and/or financial information, which can be used for identity fraud.

Warning signs and how to protect yourself

• Beware of unsolicited text messages and emails from individuals or organizations asking you to click on a link or attachment
• Watch for spelling mistakes
• Verify the hyperlink behind the link’s text or button by hovering over the text
• Do not click on links or attachments; they can contain viruses or spyware
• The Government of Canada will never send funds by email or text message
• Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself from fraud

Protecting your information

Working from home, online banking, and socializing online have all increased opportunities for fraudsters to capture your personal and financial information. Fraudsters use this information to:

• access your accounts
• apply for government benefits
• apply for credit cards
• open bank accounts
• open cell phone accounts
• take over your social media and email accounts

It is important that Canadians take steps to secure their personal and financial information and know what to do when identity fraud occurs.

Recognize

• Missing bills and other mail
• Suspicious activity on your bank or credit card statements
• Letters stating that you are approved or declined credit that you did not apply for
• Unauthorized applications or accounts on your credit report
• Creditor or collection agency calls about an application or account you do not have
• Bills from service providers that you do not use
• Phishing emails asking you to click on links or open attachments
• What information has been compromised when you are notified of a database breach

Reject

• Unsolicited emails, phone calls or mail asking for personal or financial information
• Requests for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • It’s virtually a key to your identity and credit reports
• Links in any email that look suspicious
  • Never open an attachment from spam or sender not known to you
• Automatic login features that save your username and password
  • Take the time to re-enter your password each time
• Sharing everything through email and social networking sites
• Default privacy settings on your social accounts
• Weak passwords
  • Create strong and unique passwords for every online account including social networks, emails, financial and other accounts
• Simple login measures
  • Where possible, set-up multi-factor authentication on your accounts
• Check your credit report at least once a year
  • To get a free copy of your report, contact: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada

Report

• A lost or stolen wallet
• Compromised government identification to the affected government agency
• Re-routed mail requests to Canada Post
• Suspicious bank account activity to your financial institution
• Unauthorized activity on your credit report to the credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion
• Loss of account access to the appropriate company