How seniors can avoid email scams in Canada
Email is one of the easiest ways to stay connected with family and friends, manage your finances, shop online, and access important services. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common ways scammers try to steal personal information and money… especially from older adults.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a technology expert to protect yourself. Once you know what warning signs to look for, most scam emails become much easier to recognize.
This guide will help you understand how email scams work, identify the most common scams affecting Canadians, and build simple habits that will keep you safe online.
What Is an Email Scam?
An email scam, often called phishing, is a fake email designed to trick you into believing it’s from a trusted organization or someone you know.
The goal is usually to convince you to:
Share personal or financial information
Reveal passwords or verification codes
Click on a malicious link
Download harmful software
Send money or gift cards
Scammers often impersonate well-known Canadian organizations, banks, delivery companies, or even family members to make their messages appear legitimate.
Remember: Just because an email looks real doesn’t mean it is.
Common Email Scams in Canada
1. Fake Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Emails
One of the most common scams in Canada involves emails pretending to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
These emails may claim that:
You’re entitled to a tax refund.
You owe taxes that must be paid immediately.
Your CRA account has been suspended.
You need to verify your identity.
The CRA will never ask you to provide personal or financial information by email, nor will they email you links to claim refunds or make payments. If you’re unsure whether an email is genuine, visit the CRA website directly or contact them using their official phone number.
2. Bank and Credit Card Scams
Scammers frequently create convincing emails that appear to come from banks such as RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC, or BMO.
These messages often say:
“Suspicious activity detected.”
“Your account has been locked.”
“Verify your account immediately.”
The email usually contains a fake login page designed to steal your username and password.
Never click a banking link in an email. Instead, open your web browser and type your bank’s website address yourself, use your bank’s official mobile app, or head to your nearest branch directly and speak with a representative.
3. Delivery Notification Scams
Have you ever received an email saying you missed a package—even though you weren’t expecting one?
Scammers frequently impersonate:
Canada Post
FedEx
UPS
Purolator
DHL
They often claim:
A package couldn’t be delivered.
A small customs fee is required.
Your parcel is waiting for payment.
These emails usually include harmful links designed to steal your information. If you’re expecting a package, visit the courier’s official website and enter your tracking number there instead of clicking the email link.
4. Tech Support Scams
These emails pretend to come from companies like Microsoft, Apple or Google.
They may warn that:
Your computer has a virus.
Your Microsoft 365 or iCloud subscription is expiring.
Your account has been compromised.
The email may ask you to:
Call a phone number
Download software
Allow someone remote access to your computer
Legitimate technology companies do not send unsolicited emails asking you to call them or give them remote access to your device.
If someone unexpectedly asks to control your computer, it’s almost certainly a scam.
5. Gift Card and Grandparent Scams
Some scammers pretend to be:
A grandchild
Another family member
A close friend
Your employer
They often create a sense of urgency by saying:
“I’m in trouble.”
“I need money right away.”
“Please buy gift cards.”
“Don’t tell anyone.”
These scams rely on panic and emotion rather than technology. Before sending money or buying gift cards, call the person directly using a phone number you already know is genuine. Never rely solely on the email.
Five Easy Ways to Spot a Scam Email
Most scam emails share several common warning signs.
Watch for:
Urgent or threatening language that pressures you to act immediately.
Requests for passwords, banking information, or verification codes.
Strange, misspelled, or unfamiliar email addresses.
Unexpected links or attachments.
Offers that seem too good to be true.
If something feels off, trust your instincts and take a closer look.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email?
If an email doesn’t seem right:
Don’t click any links.
Don’t open attachments.
Don’t reply.
Delete the email.
Mark it as Junk or Spam.
If you’re uncertain, ask a trusted family member, friend, or advisor before taking any action.
15 Simple Habits That Can Help Keep You Safe
1. Slow Down
Scammers want you to panic and react quickly.
They may claim:
“Your account will be closed today.”
“Act immediately.”
“This offer expires in 10 minutes.”
Instead:
Take a deep breath.
Close the email.
Give yourself time to think.
Talk to someone you trust before responding.
Remember: legitimate organizations rarely require immediate action.
2. Never Share Passwords or Verification Codes
Your passwords are private.
No legitimate organization will ask you for:
Your password
Your online banking PIN
Two-factor authentication (2FA) codes
Security questions
If someone asks, it’s a scam.
3. Be Careful of Unexpected Phone Calls
Scammers often follow up scam emails with phone calls pretending to be:
Your bank
The government
A delivery company
Internet providers
Technical support
Police
Even caller ID can be spoofed. If you’re unsure:
Hang up.
Find the company’s official phone number yourself.
Call them directly.
Never use the phone number provided by the caller or in the suspicious email.
4. Don’t Click Links in Unexpected Emails or Text Messages
Unexpected messages may claim:
Your package couldn’t be delivered.
Your account has been suspended.
You’ve won a prize.
Instead of clicking:
Contact the company yourself using their official website.
Ask a trusted family member if you’re unsure.
5. Banks Will Never Ask You to Move Your Money
One common scam says: “Your account has been compromised. Transfer your money to a safe account.”
This is always a scam. Your bank will never ask you to move your money to protect it.
6. Gift Cards Are Never a Form of Payment
No legitimate business or government agency will ask you to pay using gift cards such as:
Apple Gift Cards
Google Play
Steam
Amazon
If someone requests gift cards to pay taxes, bills, fines, or bail money, it’s a scam.
7. Be Careful with Remote Access
Never allow someone to remotely control your computer unless:
You contacted them first.
You know exactly who they are.
You trust the company.
Remote access gives someone the ability to view your screen, install software, and potentially access sensitive information.
8. Watch Out for the Grandparent Scam
Scammers may pretend to be a grandchild or loved one saying:
“I’m in jail.”
“I was in an accident.”
“Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.”
“I need money right away.”
Before helping:
Call the family member directly.
Contact another relative.
Verify the story independently.
Never send money based on one unexpected message.
9. Keep Your Devices Updated
Software updates don’t just add new features, they also fix security vulnerabilities.
Enable automatic updates in your device settings whenever possible for:
iPhone or iPad
Mac and Windows PC’s
Android phones and tablets
10. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A strong password should:
Be long.
Be unique for each account.
Avoid birthdays or names.
Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
11. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication.
Even if someone discovers your password, they’ll need a second verification step before they can access your account.
12. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True”
Be cautious of emails promising:
Large cash prizes
Lottery winnings
Free vacations
Guaranteed investments
Easy money
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
13. Protect Your Personal Information
Only share personal information when you initiated the contact and know exactly who you’re communicating with.
Be especially careful with:
Date of birth
Address
Banking information
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Driver’s licence
Passport details
14. Beware of Investment Scams
Scammers often advertise investments with:
Guaranteed returns
No risk
Insider opportunities
Fast profits
Every legitimate investment carries some level of risk. If someone promises otherwise, walk away.
15. Verify Before You Trust
Whenever someone asks for money or personal information, ask yourself:
Was I expecting this message?
Did I contact them first?
Can I verify who they are?
Am I being pressured?
Does this request make sense?
If you’re unsure, stop and ask someone you trust. Taking a few extra minutes could save you thousands of dollars.
A Simple Habit That Makes a Big Difference
Before acting on any email, pause and ask yourself: “Was I expecting this message?”
If the answer is no, take a closer look. When in doubt, don’t click. Visit the organization’s official website yourself or contact them using a trusted phone number. A few moments of caution can prevent a costly mistake.
Final Thoughts
Email scams are becoming more convincing every year, but they all have one thing in common: they rely on catching people off guard.
By slowing down, thinking critically, and verifying unexpected requests, you can use email with confidence while protecting your personal information and your finances.
Remember, it’s always okay to ask for help. Whether you’re unsure about an email, a text message, or a phone call, Silver Wizard is here to help.