Stay Safe: Protecting Yourself from Scams Targeting Seniors

You’ve worked hard, gained life experience, and built a wealth of knowledge—now it’s time to use that wisdom to protect yourself. While scammers are becoming more sophisticated in how they target people, especially seniors, staying informed is your best defense. Whether it’s over the phone, online, or at your front door, recognizing the signs of a scam and knowing how to respond can help you stay safe and in control.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Here are some of the most popular scams currently affecting seniors in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as well as some red flags to indicate that something is wrong:

1. The Grandparent Scam

This emotional scam involves a caller pretending to be your grandchild—or someone calling on their behalf—claiming they’re in trouble and need money urgently. Examples of what they might claim is that they’ve been arrested and need money to secure their release from jail, or that they’ve been in an accident and need money for car repairs.

Red flag: You’re pressured to send money immediately and not tell anyone.

2. CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) Scam

In this popular scam, the caller impersonates a CRA agent, claiming you owe taxes and will be arrested if you don’t pay right away. They may ask for payment in gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers.

Red flag: Government agencies will never threaten arrest or demand unusual payment methods.

3. Tech Support Scam

Be wary if you receive a phone call or pop-up message saying there’s a problem with your computer and you need to give remote access or pay to fix it. Hang up and call the organization yourself using the number from a trustworthy source, such as their website or an invoice/account statement.

Red flag: Legitimate tech companies will never call you out of the blue to fix a problem you didn’t report.

4. Romance Scam

Seniors using online dating sites or social media may be targeted by fraudsters pretending to form a romantic connection, only to eventually ask for money. Often this person lives in another country, and asks for money to cover the trip so they can come visit you. A request may also be made to cover medical bills for themselves or a family member.

Red flag: Someone you’ve never met in person starts asking for money due to an “emergency.”

5. Service Scams

Door-to-door salespeople or cold callers call to let you know that they are working in the area and will offer you a one-time special for a service, like roofing or duct cleaning. They will demand cash up front—then never return. Or they may charge exorbitant fees for repairs and then do little, poor or no work and take your money. One way to check the legitimacy of a company is to look at the Better Business Bureau.

Red flag: The person will use high-pressure tactics, such as telling you that you need to make a decision right away, and may show up at your place in an unmarked vehicle (as opposed to a company vehicle).

How to Spot a Scam

Here are some tips to help you recognize when something might not be right:

• It’s too good to be true: If you’ve “won” a contest you never entered or are promised a large inheritance, be skeptical.
• Unusual payment requests: No legitimate company or government agency will ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Urgency and secrecy: Scammers often create a sense of panic and insist you act quickly and keep things confidential. Never feel bad about taking your time to verify a claim with a trusted family member or friend before paying any money.
• Spelling and grammar mistakes: Many email and text scams are poorly written.
• Unfamiliar links or attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading files from people you don’t know.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

• Stop all communication: Immediately stop talking to the suspected scammer.
• Do not send more money: Even if they threaten or guilt you, don’t give in.
• Report the scam:
  • Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
  • Call your local police non-emergency number. You can reach the Toronto Police at 416-808-2222 and the York Regional Police at 1 (866) 876-5423.
  • Inform your bank or credit card company if you’ve given financial information.
• Talk to someone you trust: Share what happened with a friend or family member. You are not alone, and help is available.

Stay Connected, Stay Protected

Scammers rely on isolation, fear, and confusion. The best defence is staying informed, asking questions, and reaching out when something doesn’t feel right. By learning the warning signs and spreading the word, we can help protect ourselves and each other.

If you ever feel unsure or want someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to contact local community agencies like Circle of Care. We’re here to support your well-being and peace of mind.

Additional Resources

• You can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to learn more and educate yourself on scam prevention.
• Government of Canada Little Black Book of Scams: This document is available in multiple languages and outlines common scams as well as advice for preventing them.