Fraudsters often create urgency and ask you to act quickly. If something feels off, stop and verify before taking action.
Bank Investigator Scam
A fraudster contacts you claiming to be from your financial institution’s fraud or investigation team. They may say your account has been compromised and ask for your help in an “investigation.” To gain your trust, they might ask you to share account details, move money, or follow specific instructions to “protect” your funds. In some cases, they may even tell you not to contact your branch. The goal is to trick you into giving them access to your money or personal information.
What to do: Do not share information or move money. Hang up and contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.
Fake Website Scam
Fraudsters create a website that looks almost identical to your financial institution’s real website. You may be directed there through a link in a fraudulent email, text message, or online ad. The site may look legitimate, but it is designed to capture your login details, passwords, and personal information. Once entered, this information can be used to access your accounts and steal your money.
What to do: Always access online banking by typing www.duca.com directly into your browser—never use links in emails or texts.
Tech Support Scam
Someone calls, emails, or shows a pop-up claiming your computer has a virus. They may ask for payment or access to your device, but their goal is to steal your information or money.
What to do: Do not interact—close the message and do not allow access to your device.
CRA Scam
Fraudsters pretend to be from the Canada Revenue Agency and say you owe money or must act immediately. They may threaten fines or legal action.
What to do: Do not respond. Contact the CRA directly using an official phone number.
Charity / Fundraiser Scam
Scammers pose as charities and ask for donations, often after disasters or during the holidays. The charity may not be real.
What to do: Only donate to verified charities you trust.
Emergency / “Grandparent” Scam
Someone pretends to be a family member or friend in trouble and asks for urgent money. They rely on panic and emotion to pressure you.
What to do: Hang up and contact your family member directly using a known number.
Credit Card Scam
A caller claims your card is compromised and asks for personal information or tells you to take certain actions to “fix” it.
What to do: Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
Lottery / Sweepstakes Scam
You’re told you’ve won a prize you never entered and must pay fees or taxes to claim it.
What to do: Do not send money—legitimate winnings do not require upfront payment.
Overpayment Scam
Someone sends you more money than expected—often by cheque or e-transfer after buying something from you (for example, through an online marketplace). They then ask you to send back the extra amount. Later, you find out the original payment was fraudulent and has been reversed, leaving you responsible for the money you sent.
What to do: Do not send money back. Always confirm the original payment is legitimate and fully cleared.
Work-from-Home Scam
You’re offered a job (such as a mystery shopper or account manager) and sent money in advance. You’re then asked to send some of it back or use it for tasks. The original payment is fake, and you’re left out of pocket for anything you send.
What to do: Do not send money. Legitimate employers will never ask you to move or return funds.
Investment Scam
You’re promised high returns with little or no risk. After you send money or pay fees, the investment turns out to be fake.
What to do: Always research and verify before investing.
Inheritance Scam
You’re told you’ve inherited money from someone you don’t know and must pay fees to receive it.
What to do: Do not send money or share personal information.
Death Benefit Scam
You receive a message saying you’re entitled to a payout or benefit and are asked for personal details or payment to access it.
What to do: Do not respond. Verify the claim through a trusted source.