4 realistic scams that hit Ontario in September

Every day, increasingly sophisticated scams target people during tough financial times with promises that seem too good to be true. From unsolicited job offers to fake concert tickets, scammers are finding new ways to deceive.

Here are four scams making the rounds in September, along with tips from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and police to help residents stay alert and safeguard themselves:

Virtual job scam

Fraudsters impersonate legitimate recruitment agencies to send unsolicited job offers via text, email or phone calls. Victims are led to believe the jobs are real with tasks assigned through fake software. A small payment may be issued initially to build trust before the scam progresses.

What you should do: Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts. Block the number, don’t respond to suspicious messages and verify the legitimacy of any job offer through official channels.

Bank investor scam

Fraudsters pose as bank employees claiming fraud on the victim’s account and instructing them to send an e-transfer to themselves. The scammers then divert the funds using a URL or link provided by the victim.

What you should do: Never send e-transfers or share links/URLs with unknown callers. If you receive suspicious calls, contact your bank directly through official channels.

Videos

Concert ticket scam

Scammers post fake tickets for Taylor Swift’s November 2024 Toronto concerts online. These posts are often from hacked social media accounts and victims who attempt to buy tickets receive nothing in return.

What you should do: Verify sellers by using reputable platforms for purchasing resale tickets and never send money without ensuring the legitimacy of the offer.

Taxi scam

A suspect requests assistance in paying a taxi fare using the victim’s credit or debit card, claiming their own card isn’t working. After the victim taps or inserts their card, the suspects steal the card and withdraw funds.

What you should do: Do not provide your card or PIN to anyone and always be cautious when strangers ask you to assist with payments.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or your local police service.