Never ever answer unexpected calls from numbers you don’t know. Almost 90% of the time it’s a spam scam call. Threats like these ones are the hallmarks of the scammers. Never answer or call them back. Talk to your cell phone provider and try to enable call control if possible.
Scammers pretending to be Canada Border Services Agency
“This agency has seized a parcel under your name which was shipped through Canada Post using your identity. The parcel contains illegal components. There is an arrest warrant already issued under your name. To talk to an officer from Canada Border Services Agency, please press 1 to hold the line.”
Scammers pretending to be Canada Department of Justice
“The following is regarding an enforcement action which has been executed by the Department of Justice against your social insurance number. Ignoring this would be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearances before the magistrate, judge, or exempt jury for a federal criminal offence. So before this matter goes to federal court house or you get arrested, kindly press 1 and speak to an officer now. I repeat, press 1 to speak to a office right now to avoid further actions.”
Scammers pretending to be Service Canada
“Service Canada – This is an attempt to inform you that there is a legal case being filed under your name and an arrest warrant is being issued under your name as well. This is a final attempt to get connected to you, so press 1 and get connected to a federal officer of Service Canada now. This is a final call to reach you before you get arrested, so press 1 and talk to an officer now. Thank you.”
Social Insurance Number Phone Phishing
“We have got an order to suspend your Social Insurance Number on immediate basis because your Social has been found suspicious for some illegal and criminal activities. It is very time sensitive and urgent to hear back from you before we proceed further with suspension on your social and assets. Please press one to speak to our officer. Please press one thank you.”
There are several steps that you can take to avoid scam calls:
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate number, so it is best to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
- Use call-blocking software or services. Many phone companies and third-party providers offer call-blocking services that can automatically block known scam numbers.
- Do not give out personal information. Scammers often try to trick people into giving out sensitive information, such as their social security number or bank account information. It is important to never give out personal information over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization.
- Report scam calls to the appropriate authorities. If you receive a scam call, it is important to report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and to your phone company. This will help to identify and track the scammer, and it may also help to protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
Overall, there are several steps that you can take to avoid scam calls, including avoiding answering calls from unknown numbers, using call-blocking software or services, not giving out personal information, and reporting scam calls to the appropriate authorities. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from scam calls and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
