Protect yourself from emergency scams

Fraudsters use a sense of urgency to trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam. They impersonate your family or friends claiming they have been in an emergency, requesting money or information to help them out. Learn about emergency scams and how to protect yourself from them.

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What you need to know

If someone calls you claiming to be a family member or friend in an emergency and urgently asks you for money, don't fall into their trap. Sometimes, they may involve another individual posing as an authority figure, such as a police officer, to scare you.
Don't feel pressured into providing your personal or banking information to anyone. Also, be skeptical if someone asks you to wire money immediately.
Be wary if someone requests you to keep a situation confidential and not share the details of your conversation with anyone.

Video: Threat and emergency scams (2:20)

Learn the red flags associated with an emergency scam and how to protect yourself.

Transcript Opens in a new window.

What's an emergency scam?

In an emergency scam, fraudsters pose as family members or friends. They'll call or send messages saying they’re in an emergency and need you to wire money immediately. Often, fraudsters target grandparents and pretend to be their grandchild in trouble. They may claim to be in a car accident, have trouble getting home from overseas or need money for bail.

How emergency scams work

Someone contacts you claiming to be your family member or friend in an emergency. Sometimes, the caller is with someone claiming to be a police officer.
The caller asks you questions to get your personal and banking information.
The caller asks you to keep the situation hidden from other family members or friends, as they don’t want them finding out what happened.
The caller asks you to wire money to them immediately.

Stay safe with our tips

Use a known phone number to contact the family member or friend claiming to be in trouble
Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust
Don't share your credit or debit card details or any personal information
Be cautious and avoid acting immediately, regardless of the situation
Avoid using untraceable methods to deliver money, such as wire transfers
Confirm the identity of the individual by asking questions a stranger wouldn't be able to answer
Tell your trusted family members or friends about the situation, even if you’re told to keep it confidential

Explore more about emergency scams

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud happening in Canada.

The Little Black Book of Scams Opens in a new window.

Download the Canadian Competition Bureau's guide to scams in 8 different languages.

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Read about the latest news and trends in fraud awareness and prevention.