If your phone keeps buzzing with suspicious texts claiming to be from your bank, Canada Post, or the CRA — you’re not alone. A new Equifax Canada cybersecurity survey reveals that one in three Canadians has received fake texts or job offers in just the past three months, underscoring the growing sophistication of digital scams.
The study shows that 75% of Canadians worry about being hacked, 13% admit to clicking on a fraudulent link, and 6% say they’ve already had their identity stolen.
For Kevin Boricic of Bowmanville, Ontario, the risk became reality. Trying to sell a fishing rod for $150 on Facebook Marketplace, he clicked on what appeared to be a legitimate e-transfer link from a buyer — only to have $400 drained from his bank account.
“I thought I was getting money, not losing it,” Boricic said. “Four hundred dollars isn’t much for some people, but for us, it means a lot. My wife’s in a wheelchair and can’t work — it was devastating.”
Scammers are increasingly posing as trusted organizations, sending messages about fake toll bills, government rebates, traffic fines, or delivery notifications. The texts often contain urgent language designed to pressure recipients into clicking harmful links.
“Any text that demands immediate action should be a red flag,” said Julie Kuzmic, Director of Consumer Advocacy at Equifax Canada. “The best strategy now is vigilance and using multiple layers of protection.”
To help combat fraud, the Canadian Anti-Scam Coalition has launched a public awareness campaign at StandAgainstScams.ca, backed by banks, telecom providers, and major retailers. The campaign promotes a three-step approach:
Stop and think. Check legitimacy. Talk and share to protect others.
Experts remind Canadians that government agencies, banks, and reputable companies never send clickable links by text. If you receive a suspicious message, contact the organization directly through verified channels before responding.
As digital fraud surges across the country, the warning is clear — slow down, verify, and never trust a text that sounds too urgent to be true.