Five common scams that target newcomers to Canada

Falling for a scam as a newcomer to Canada is easier than you might think. Fraudsters often exploit a new arrival’s vulnerabilities and unfamiliarity with official processes and legalities. Disguising themselves as helpers, they may contact you through text messages, emails, phone calls, or even in person. If an offer seems too good to be true or feels even slightly suspicious, it’s essential to exercise caution. Here are five common scams that target newcomers to Canada and how you can avoid them.

Job scams 

Newcomers take time to find jobs: most scammers know this, which makes the job scam among the most common scams that target newcomers. 

If, for instance, you get a text message or WhatsApp message from someone who claims to be from a recruitment agency saying you are the ideal candidate for a job, it’s probably a scam, where they’re fishing for your personal information or want money from you in exchange for the (nonexistent) job they’re dangling in front of you.

Many will even advertise their services online, asking for a large sum of money upfront, in exchange for a guaranteed job. All they are doing, sadly, is preying on your desperation as a newcomer, to quickly find a job in Canada, so that you can start your life here, and/or support your family back home who are depending on you.

“No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada,” explains Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in an advisory. “Be careful if the salary of a job you are applying for seems too high to be real.”

Also read: Navigating immigration with ease: A look at Immproved

Immigration scams

Scammers of this nature often target immigrants who are still pursuing migration to Canada or are newcomers who have come here as international students or on work permits and are taking the next step in their immigration journey.

Examples of such scams include someone posing as a government official and asking you to deposit money into a personal bank account, asking you to transfer money through a private money transfer service, offering you special deals (such as speeding up your biometrics) in exchange for a fee, or does not use an official email address to contact you. When all of these tactics fail, the person at the other end is likely to threaten you: do not give in. 

“Do not give out personal information, unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with,” advises IRCC. 

Taxpayer fraud 

Taxpayer fraud is one of the most common scams that target newcomers. Scammers will attempt to extort money from you by claiming the following:

• You have a compromised SIN number
• You have an outstanding case against you
• You owe back taxes
• You have unpaid balances
• You’ve committed a financial crime

In such cases, scammers will pretend to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and threaten you with arrest, a huge fine, or even deportation from Canada. When you hear such claims against you, it is only natural to be scared and panic. However, keep your cool: know that you are being scammed. The scammer might then ask you to send money either into a personal account, pay for a supposed service, buy gift cards from providers such as iTunes, or buy Bitcoins.

Know that official communication from the CRA will either come to you in the form of letters, in your email, or your official CRA account.

Also read: Firsthand tips: Immigrants share their learnings for newcomers to Canada

Fraudulent businesses and service fraud

Often, a fraudster will pretend to be calling from a business that you frequent (such as a mobile phone provider or a supermarket) and offer you a free product or discounted service, such as a free mobile phone upgrade, or discounted insurance policies – offers that are too good to be true. 

What they will ask you for in exchange is an email address, which they will use for questionable purposes. In case a physical product is being shipped to you, they will then claim the wrong product has been delivered, and ask you to pay for the shipping costs, which they will then pocket, along with the product in question, before trying the same scam on someone else. What makes this one of the most common scams that target newcomers is that when it comes to services, scammers often ask for your bank account details or email address, which can then be used for fraudulent purposes.

“We’re noticing an increase in reporting related to misleading home services and equipment,” said the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in an alert. “Victims are being contacted through ads on social media, telemarketing calls or through door-to-door salespersons. Be wary of ads on social media offering grants, equipment or services at a price below market value. Remember to research the company before providing your contact information and especially signing a contract!”

Package fraud

You might get a text message or email, stating that Canada Post could not deliver your package to you, because the shipping fees weren’t paid by the sender. While most people will know whether or not they’re expecting a package, some might unwittingly click on the link and make a payment that in this case, won’t go to Canada Post, but instead to the scammers.

Another practice that makes package fraud among the most common scams that target newcomers is the shipper claiming that your package could not be delivered to you, because your address is incomplete. 

In such cases, be aware of providing your actual address: scammers at the other end will use it for fraudulent purposes. The link they provide you to update your address is also likely to infect your system with a virus that will destroy it from within.

Also read: Expert tips for a strong Canadian Express Entry application

Why are you being targeted?

Most newcomers (especially recent arrivals) do not know Canada’s systems well enough to know when they are being scammed. In a new country, immigrants, refugees, and international students will often assume they can trust institutions that are essentially set up to help them, and sadly, in some cases, will not know they’ve been scammed until it’s too late.

Even if they are aware – midway through the scam – that they are being duped, they might not know how much the scammer knows about them, and may therefore be scared to go to the police or other authorities, in case of retribution.

Simply put, scammers prey on the lack of awareness, higher levels of trust, and in some cases, desperation to do well, that immigrants have.

Here’s how to protect yourself from scams and fraud

Now that you are aware of the most common scams that target newcomers, when contacted by an unknown person on social media, over the phone, by email, by SMS, or in person, the most important thing is to have your shields up.

Here is some advice from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

• Don’t be afraid to say ‘No’ – Watch out for pleas that play on your emotions
• Do your research – Verify that the organization you’re dealing with is genuine
• Do not give out personal information – If you didn’t initiate contact, you don’t know who you’re talking to
• Beware of up-front fees – Many scams request you to pay fees in advance
• Protect your computer – Do not click on urgent-looking messages
• Protect your online accounts 
• Recognize when you’re being faced by spoof calls, fake emails, or fraudulent websites

Found this information useful? Share it with a friend!