In recent weeks, scam phone calls have become increasingly prevalent, targeting individuals with fraudulent schemes aimed at stealing personal banking information. Journalist Mohammed Adam reports receiving multiple calls in a single day from numbers with Ottawa area codes, all attempting to extract sensitive data.
Common Scam Tactics
Scammers often pose as representatives from financial institutions, tech companies, or government agencies. For instance, a caller claiming to be from ‘RBC Account Support’ warned of suspicious withdrawals and requested account numbers for verification—despite the victim not having an RBC account. Another call from ‘Apple Technical Support’ alleged suspicious online banking activity, even though the recipient had no online account. A fake Canada Post call claimed a package had security concerns, asking for personal information to release it.
How Scammers Operate
These calls follow a predictable pattern: victims are urged to press 1 to speak with a supervisor, who then provides a fake badge number to appear credible. The scammers use urgency and authority to pressure individuals into disclosing bank account numbers, passwords, or other private details. When Adam called back the numbers, they rang endlessly with no answer, confirming their fraudulent nature.
Vulnerability and Impact
While some people recognize the scams, many fall victim, especially seniors living alone. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, fraudulent schemes cost Canadians over $600 million in 2024 and $2 billion since 2021. The scammers are often part of international networks, making police investigations difficult.
Protection Tips
- Never give personal information to unknown callers, regardless of how official they sound.
- Hang up immediately if a caller requests your bank account number, social insurance number, or passwords.
- Verify independently by contacting the institution directly using official phone numbers from their website.
- Register with the National Do Not Call List to reduce unsolicited calls.
- Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and local police.
Staying Vigilant
Banks and government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency routinely warn that they do not ask for personal information by phone. Media coverage also helps raise awareness. However, personal vigilance remains the most effective defense. As Adam notes, everyone should adopt an unbreakable rule: never give personal information to strangers. This simple practice can prevent financial ruin.
Mohammed Adam is an Ottawa journalist and commentator. Reach him at nylamiles48@gmail.com.
