Let’s normalize talking about fraud — because awareness is our best defense.
One of the biggest challenges in discussing fraud is the stigma surrounding it. Many of those who have been targeted feel embarrassed or blame themselves, believing they should have “known better.” However, the reality is that fraudsters use deceptive tactics designed to manipulate human instincts — curiosity, compassion and fear. Falling for a scam is not a sign of weakness; it’s a reflection of how convincing these schemes can be.
By making fraud a regular topic of conversation, you can help protect your friends, family and community. Here’s how to start the discussion and make sure your loved ones know they can always turn to you for a second opinion.
Use everyday moments to bring it up
You don’t need to schedule a formal talk — fraud prevention can be part of everyday conversation. Try these easy ways to start:
- Over coffee or a phone call: “I heard about a new scam making the rounds. Have you ever gotten a call like that?”
- After seeing a news story: “I just read about someone who lost a lot of money to a scam offer they saw online. There were some great tips about red flags.”
- When you receive a suspicious message yourself: “I got a strange text about a package delivery today. Have you ever received anything like that?”
Create a judgment-free zone
One reason people don’t talk about scams is embarrassment. However, fraudsters target emotions, not intelligence. Share personal experiences if you have them, and reinforce that anyone — even tech-savvy people, professionals and businesses — can be deceived by a scam:
- “Scammers are getting really good at making things look convincing. I always take a moment to double-check.”
- “I almost clicked on a fake email from ‘my bank’ the other day — it looked so real!”
- “I read about a scam where people pretend to be family members. It made me wonder how I’d react if I got one of those calls.”
If someone confides in you that they’ve been scammed, how you respond can determine whether they feel comfortable seeking help in the future. Start by listening — they may need to vent before taking action. If they do want advice, suggest checking official resources together, such as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, their bank’s fraud department or information from local authorities.
Offer to be a trusted contact
Encourage your loved ones to check with you before acting on a suspicious call, email or text. Let them know they can always reach out:
- “If you ever get a call from a company or a bank asking for personal info, don’t hesitate to call me first. We can check if it’s real together.”
- “Before clicking on a link or sending money, let’s take a moment to think it over. Scammers want you to rush, but we don’t have to.”
- “If you ever come across something suspicious online, feel free to run it by me.”
Share simple prevention tips
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but you don’t need to be a tech expert to spot fraud. In fact, most scams rely on the same old tricks — urgency, impersonation and emotional manipulation — and they fail when you follow a few basic precautions.
Once you’ve brought up the topic of fraud, you can help reinforce simple habits to stay safe:
- Pause and verify — Never trust unexpected requests for money or sensitive information. Contact organizations directly, not through the links or numbers provided in an unsolicited message.
- Protect your personal information — Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and limit what you share online.
- Watch for urgency and emotional manipulation — Scammers create panic to force quick decisions.
- Monitor accounts — Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity. Set up fraud alerts with your bank.
Keep the door open
Talking about fraud shouldn’t be a one-time thing. By making fraud awareness a regular topic and creating a safe space for discussion, you empower your loved ones to recognize scams before they happen. Start the conversation today — a quick discussion could be all it takes to prevent financial loss and stress.
The Little Black Book of Scams from the Competition Bureau Canada continues to be a helpful, free resource that outlines popular scams, identifies red flags and shares tips to protect yourself.
For more information or to report fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) or call 1-888-495-8501.