How to Protect Yourself from Scammers, Hackers and Thieves

To protect yourself from scammers, hackers, and thieves online, lock down accounts, verify urgent requests, and treat unexpected calls, texts, and links as hostile until proven otherwise. Most losses start with social engineering not sophisticated malware. The habits below reduce exposure for individuals and small businesses in Canada.

How do you protect accounts and devices?

• Use unique, long passwords (or a password manager) and turn on multi-factor authentication wherever it is offered.
• Keep phones locked with a PIN, pattern, or biometrics; enable Find My / device locate so you can wipe a lost phone.
• Install reputable antivirus/anti-malware and keep OS and apps updated.
• Prefer a VPN on public Wi-Fi; avoid banking or password entry on shared networks without one.

How do you reduce identity and credit risk?

• Tighten social privacy settings so strangers cannot harvest your address, workplace, or family details.
• Use different usernames across sites; use a disposable email for contests and one-off signups.
• Monitor credit reports and consider a credit freeze/security freeze so new credit cannot open quietly in your name.
• Shred or securely destroy paper mail with account numbers; do not leave bank statements in recycling intact.
• Never share your SIN, banking passwords, or one-time codes unless you initiated a verified contact with a known institution.

How do you spot scams before you click or call?

• Be skeptical of urgent emails even ones that appear to come from friends or your bank.
• Refuse pressure tactics (“pay now or lose access”). Real companies give time to verify.
• Research sellers before paying; skip sites that look unfinished, have no clear contact details, or demand unusual payment methods.
• Do not call back unfamiliar numbers from texts or voicemails, see area code scams to avoid for the phone-bill callback trap.
• Stay current on common schemes such as those in our holiday and consumer scam roundup.

What should you do if you already shared information?

Change passwords on affected accounts, call your bank or card issuer, and document dates, numbers, and screenshots. In Canada, report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police if money moved. When losses are large, identity theft continues, or a business account was compromised, a structured digital investigation can help preserve evidence for counsel or insurers.

Need help after a scam or account takeover in Ontario?

Investigation Hotline supports individuals and businesses across Toronto and Ontario with fraud-related inquiries. Call (416) 205-9114 for a confidential consultation.