Please pause any new payment or contact
Speak with your loved one calmly and without blame. Do not send more money, share additional information or allow further device access while you check what is happening.
Urgent steps to take now
- Speak privately with your loved one. Use calm, factual questions and avoid blame, shame or threats to take away independence.
- If money or banking information may be at risk, help them call their financial institution using the number on the back of their card or another verified number they already use.
- Do not access or control their accounts unless they consent or you are legally authorized.
- If remote access may still be active, disconnect the device from the internet or turn it off and contact their own trusted technical support person.
- Preserve messages, receipts, transaction details and screenshots. Do not continue negotiating with the suspected scammer.
- If you suspect abuse by a caregiver, relative or another person they depend on, do not confront that person if doing so could increase danger or isolation. Contact local police, adult-protection or community support appropriate to the situation.
- Report fraud or attempted fraud to local police and through Canada’s official Report Cybercrime and Fraud service. Call 911 only if someone is in immediate physical danger.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
Speak with The Fraud Doctor: (604) 283-0182
You can come back to the readiness check whenever you are ready. Nothing here requires a name, an email address or payment.