Posted on
March 16, 2026
by
The MacMillan Team
Technology is evolving quickly, and while artificial intelligence is creating exciting opportunities across many industries, it is also being used by scammers to develop more sophisticated fraud.
Across Canada, authorities are reporting an increase in scams designed to steal personal information, financial data, and money. Many of these schemes appear legitimate at first glance, which makes awareness more important than ever.
Understanding how these scams work can help protect you and your family.
The Most Common Scams Being Reported
Several fraud tactics are becoming increasingly common across Canada.
One example is fake delivery notifications. These messages appear to come from companies such as Canada Post, UPS, or FedEx and include tracking links that direct users to fraudulent websites.
Another growing concern involves Interac e-Transfer scams. Fraudsters may request that a transfer be reversed or claim that a mistake has occurred in order to trick someone into sending money.
Authorities are also warning about deepfake scams, where artificial intelligence is used to create convincing audio or video that appears to come from someone you know.
There are also fake real estate listings and rental scams, where criminals copy legitimate property listings and request deposits from unsuspecting renters or buyers.
How Scammers Create Urgency
Most scams follow the same pattern.
The message creates a sense of urgency. It may say your bank account has suspicious activity, a package cannot be delivered, or a payment must be made immediately.
The goal is to push people into acting quickly without taking time to verify the situation.
A Simple Rule That Can Protect You
There is one simple habit that can prevent many scams.
Stop. Pause. Verify.
Before clicking any link, scanning a QR code, or sending money, take a moment to confirm the request directly with the company or person involved.
If something feels unusual, trust that instinct.
Protecting Yourself Online
A few simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk:
• Do not click links from unknown messages
• Avoid scanning QR codes from untrusted sources
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
• Verify requests directly with the organization involved
• Never share sensitive financial information with unknown contacts
Looking Out for the Community
Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes. It is about protecting the people in our communities.
That is why sharing information like this is important. When people stay informed, they are much less likely to become victims of fraud.
If you ever encounter something suspicious or need a referral to a trusted professional, feel free to reach out anytime.
