Scams

How are online scams defined?

Dictionary.com defines a scam as, “a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of something, especially money”. Specifically online scams are the same but take place across social media, apps, games, and or websites.

Nearly half (43%) of Canadians have knowingly been victimized by fraud or scams, in their lifetime.

  • Online scams targeting youth can occur across a variety of digital platforms where young people are active. These include:

    • Social Media Platforms: Scammers may create profiles pretending to be influencers or brands and request personal information in exchange for “prizes” or “exclusive offers”.

    • Online Gaming Communities: Youth are targeted through in-game chats or fake marketplaces offering deals that require upfront payments or account credentials.

    • Email and Messaging Apps: Scammers use urgent or emotional language to trick young people into sharing sensitive information or making payments.

    • E-commerce and Online Marketplaces: Youth may fall victim to advertisements for popular items at too-good-to-be-true prices on unofficial websites or social media ads.

    • Scholarship and Financial Aid Websites: Scammers target students by promising funds or employment in exchange for an application fee or personal information.

    • Streaming and Entertainment Platforms: Youth seeking free or cheap access to movies, shows, or concert tickets may be lured into sharing credit card information on fraudulent sites.

    • Crowdfunding and Donation Platforms: Scammers exploit youths’ willingness to support social causes by creating convincing but fake donation campaigns.

    • Educational Platforms: Youth are promised quick certifications or courses for an upfront fee but receive nothing in return.

  • Hate speech online takes many forms, often targeting individuals or groups based on the grounds of discrimination. Here are common examples and characteristics of hate speech:

    • Derogatory Slurs: Use of offensive words or phrases aimed at demeaning someone's identity. For example, racial slurs or homophobic epithets.

    • Threats of Violence: Direct or implied threats to harm an individual or group, such as "You should be hurt for believing X."

    • Stereotyping and Dehumanization: Statements comparing people to animals or portraying them as inferior, such as "They’re all criminals."

    • Harassment and Incitement: Encouraging others to attack or exclude someone, e.g., "Let's make sure they never feel welcome here."

    • Misinformation to Discredit: Spreading lies about a group to incite hatred or fear, such as false claims about a religion or community.

    Hate speech often relies on repetition and amplification, making it crucial to monitor and counteract through education, moderation, and legal measures.

  • In Canada, online scams can have serious legal consequences under both federal and provincial laws:

    • Federally – Scammers can face criminal charges for fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime under the Criminal Code. Fraud over $5,000 can result in up to 14 years in prison. Identity theft and cybercrimes can also carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences.

    • Provincially – Provincial consumer protection laws address scams, and victims can seek civil remedies. Offenders may be fined or ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Provincial laws also support victims through agencies that help prevent and combat fraud.

      • Scammers may also face consequences under privacy laws like PIPEDA.

    Youth offenders can be subject to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with measures focused on rehabilitation.

    Legal consequences for behaviours vary significantly between countries and even within local jurisdictions. Always check your regional and federal laws to understand the specific regulations and penalties in your area.

How to recognize a victim of online scams?

Online scams can take many forms, and their signs may not always be obvious. Here are some key indicators to help you identify if someone might be targeted by or experiencing online scams:

    • Increased Anxiety or Stress: Victims may show signs of heightened worry, fear, or stress related to the consequences of the scam, such as financial loss or privacy violations.

    • Mood Swings: Feelings of guilt, anger, or sadness may emerge as they process the experience of being deceived.

    • Withdrawal: Avoidance of family or friends, or disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed, can occur due to embarrassment or shame.

    • Low Self-Esteem: Expressions of self-doubt or self-criticism may surface, particularly if they blame themselves for falling victim.

    • Avoidance of Conversations: They may resist discussing their online activities or financial transactions, becoming defensive or evasive.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or fatigue can result from anxiety about the scam’s repercussions.

    • Change in Spending Habits: Sudden reluctance to spend money or increased caution with online purchases could indicate fear of further scams.

    • Secretive Actions: Victims might clear their browsing history, use incognito modes, or avoid using certain apps or websites out of embarrassment.

    • Suspicious Activity: Unexpected charges on accounts, sudden changes in passwords, or an influx of scam emails could be a result of compromised personal information.

    • Attempts to Recover Losses: They may engage in risky behaviors to “win back” lost money, such as participating in other questionable schemes.

    • Declining Performance: A noticeable decline in grades or work performance stemming from emotional distress or distraction.

    • Reduced Focus: Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or job tasks due to preoccupation with the scam.

    • Avoidance of Collaborative Activities: Hesitancy to join group activities or online projects that require sharing personal information.

    • Psychosomatic Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

    • Visible Fatigue: Exhaustion from dealing with constant online stress or staying up late worrying.

    • Nervous Habits: Signs of stress like nail-biting, pacing, or trembling.

These signs may not always indicate hate speech but are worth addressing with empathy and support. Encourage open communication and connect victims with resources for help.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know is dealing with online scams, taking proactive steps can make a big difference. Here’s how parents, kids, teens, and even bystanders can respond effectively:

    • Foster Open Communication: Talk openly with your child about the risks of online scams. Encourage them to share suspicious interactions or offers they come across without fear of blame or judgment.

    • Teach Scam Recognition: Educate your child about common scam tactics, such as phishing emails, fake contests, or offers that sound “too good to be true.” Explain how to identify credible sources and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

    • Set Online Boundaries: Define rules for online activities, including restrictions on sharing personal information or making online purchases without your involvement.

    • Monitor and Guide: Keep an eye on your child’s online behaviour through parental controls or frequent check-ins, and help them understand safe online practices.

    • Act When Necessary: If your child falls victim to a scam, report it immediately to the platform, financial institution, or appropriate authorities. Use the incident as a learning opportunity to reinforce safe behaviours.

    • Be Cautious: Don’t trust messages or offers from strangers, especially if they ask for personal details, passwords, or payment information. Always verify the sender’s identity.

    • Think Before Clicking: Avoid clicking on links in emails or messages from unknown sources. If a deal or prize seems too good to be true, it probably is.

    • Protect Your Information: Never share private information like your address, phone number, or financial details online. Keep account passwords secure and unique.

    • Ask a Trusted Adult: If you’re unsure about an online interaction or offer, talk to a parent, teacher, or guardian before taking any action.

    • Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a potential scam, block the scammer and report it to the platform immediately.

    • Avoid Spreading Scams: Don’t share suspicious links or offers, even as a warning. Sharing scams could inadvertently increase their visibility.

    • Help Educate Others: If you notice someone falling for or sharing a scam, kindly inform them and provide tips for identifying fraudulent activity.

    • Report the Scam: Use reporting tools on websites or apps to flag scams. Many platforms have dedicated systems to investigate and address fraudulent behaviour.

Where to get help?

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 confidential support service for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Cybertip.ca: Canada’s national tipline for reporting online exploitation.

Local Law Enforcement: If a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement directly.