Ontario residents are under siege as scammers unleash a wave of clever cons this March, exploiting homeowners, drivers, job seekers, and more. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Fraud Prevention Month is shining a spotlight on a surge of fraudulent schemes, from fake flood prevention offers to deceptive text messages impersonating trusted organizations.
“Smishing”—a text-based twist on phishing—has emerged as a top tactic alongside relentless scam calls, with fraudsters posing as everyone from city officials to utility providers. Here’s a rundown of five scams making the rounds in Ontario this month and how to protect yourself:
1. Basement Flood Prevention Hoax
In Mississauga, scammers are dialing up homeowners, masquerading as city officials with promises of rebates for installing sump pumps or other flood prevention devices. The City of Mississauga has debunked these claims, confirming it never solicits residents for such installations or endorses contractors.
- Protect Yourself: Check rebate details on official city websites, avoid sharing info with unsolicited callers, and dial 311 to verify contractors.
2. Utility Bill Rip-Off
Fraudsters posing as utility companies are alarming customers with tales of billing errors, demanding cryptocurrency payments to prevent service cutoffs. Victims who comply soon discover they’ve been duped.
- Protect Yourself: Confirm suspicious claims directly with your provider using the number on your bill, steer clear of crypto or gift card demands, and report to police or the CAFC.
3. Highway 407 Toll Trap
Drivers are receiving urgent texts claiming unpaid Highway 407 tolls will lead to hefty fines or license suspension—complete with a shady payment link. Highway 407 ETR warns it never sends payment links via text or requests sensitive info this way.
- Protect Yourself: Ignore links in unexpected texts, log into your official 407 account to check balances, and report fakes to your mobile carrier and the CAFC.
4. Bogus Fire Safety Pamphlet
A dubious pamphlet touting home fire safety tips is circulating, but it’s riddled with errors and lacks credible contact info. Fire officials say it fails Canadian safety standards and could be a ploy to mislead or defraud residents.
- Protect Yourself: Skip unsolicited safety materials, confirm advice with your local fire department, and alert police to suspicious documents.
5. Phony Job Offers
Job seekers are being reeled in by too-good-to-be-true online postings promising quick hires with little vetting. Scammers send fake cheques for “work expenses,” then pressure victims to refund “overpayments”—only for the cheque to bounce, leaving victims in the red.
- Protect Yourself: Question offers with minimal scrutiny, avoid accepting cheques from unknowns, and research companies before applying.
The CAFC reports a staggering $642 million lost to fraud across Canada in 2024—a jump from $578 million in 2023—with cyber scams driving 75% of the damage. Yet experts suspect the real toll is higher, as many victims stay silent. If you’ve been targeted, reach out to local police or the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501. Stay sharp, Ontario—scammers are counting on you to slip up.