How seniors can avoid email scams in Canada

Email is a great way to stay connected and manage everyday tasks like banking, shopping, and keeping in touch with family. But across Canada, scammers are increasingly using email to trick people — especially older adults.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, these scams are much easier to spot and avoid.

What Is an Email Scam?

An email scam (also known as “phishing”) is a fake message that tries to get you to:

• Share personal or financial information

• Click on harmful links

• Send money or gift cards

These emails often pretend to be from trusted Canadian organizations like the Canada Revenue Agency, banks, or delivery companies.

Common Email Scams in Canada

1. Fake CRA Emails

Scammers often pretend to be the Canada Revenue Agency.

They may say:

• You’re owed a tax refund

• You owe money and must pay immediately

• Your account will be locked

Important: The CRA will never ask for personal or financial information by email or send you links to claim refunds.

2. Bank and Credit Card Scams

You might get emails that look like they’re from your bank (such as RBC Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, or Scotiabank).

They may say:

• “Suspicious activity detected”

• “Verify your account now”

These emails often include fake links that look real.

Tip: Never click links in emails. Instead, go directly to your bank’s official website or call them.

3. Delivery Scams (Canada Post & Couriers)

Scammers send fake delivery notices pretending to be from Canada Post, FedEx, or UPS.

They may say:

• You missed a package

• You need to pay a small fee

Warning: These messages often include harmful links.

4. Tech Support Scams

Some emails claim to be from Microsoft or Apple, saying your computer has a virus or related to iCloud or Microsoft 365 subscriptions..

They may ask you to:

• Call a phone number

• Download software

• Give remote access to your computer

Never do this. Legitimate companies do not contact you this way.

5. Gift Card & “Grandparent” Scams

You may receive an email that appears to be from a family member or even a boss asking for help:

• “I need you to buy gift cards urgently”

• “I’m in trouble and need money”

These are often emotional scams designed to rush you.

Always verify by calling the person directly.

5 Easy Ways to Spot a Scam Email

• Urgent or threatening language (“Act now!”)

• Requests for personal information

• Strange or misspelled email addresses

• Links or attachments you weren’t expecting

• Offers that seem too good to be true

What Should You Do If You Get a Suspicious Email?

• Don’t click on links or attachments

• Don’t reply

• Delete the email

• Mark it as “junk” or “spam”

If you’re unsure, ask a trusted friend, family member, or advisor.

Report Scams in Canada

If you receive a scam, you can report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Reporting helps protect others and track scam activity across the country.

Extra Tips to Stay Safe

• Use strong passwords (and don’t reuse them)

• Keep your computer and phone updated

• Install antivirus software

• Enable two-factor authentication when possible

A Simple Habit That Makes a Big Difference

Before acting on any email, pause and ask:

“Was I expecting this message?”

If not, take a closer look, or ignore it.

Final Thoughts

Email scams are on the rise in Canada, but you don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe.

With a little awareness and a few simple habits, you can confidently use email while protecting your personal information.