Preventing fraud Identity theft

Protect yourself from telephone fraud

Telephone fraud is becoming harder to spot. Fraudsters pose as representatives of a trusted institution, such as banks, credit card companies or the government to try to get your personal information or steal your money. Learn how to keep safe by spotting the signs of a phone scam.

4-minute read

What you need to know

Question incoming calls and don't feel pressured by the caller. You can hang up the call or tell them you'll contact the business' official phone number.
Simplii will never send you a text or email asking for your banking or personal information. If you receive these types of requests, don't share any information.
Don't rely on caller ID. Fraudsters may disguise their identity using a legitimate organization's name and phone number.

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Recognize the signs of telephone fraud

Unexpected calls

The caller claims to be from an established organization, such as a bank or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and tries to pressure you to pay an outstanding balance or provide personal information.

Invasive questioning

The caller asks you for sensitive information, such as your bank account password or Social Insurance Number (SIN). Don't give out any of your personal or banking information. We'll never call you and ask for your PIN or password.

Urgent demands

The caller demands an immediate response to a technical support issue, a transaction on your account or customer service request. These demands often involve asking for personal information and threatening you with government, police or legal action.

Third-party calls

The caller claims to be from a credit card company, such as Visa*. They may claim you've been overcharged for a product or service or they can reduce your credit card interest rate. Be suspicious of any cold calls asking you for personal information or an immediate response.

Know when we'll call you

Requested calls

We'll contact you if you've submitted a request for a call at a specified time, such as a call with an advisor.

Unusual account activity

We'll reach out to you if we detect any unusual activity in your account(s). You'll need to confirm with us that you've authorized the activity. Learn what we're doing and how to safeguard your accounts from debit and credit card fraud.

Service updates

We'll let you know when we have new offers or products if you've chosen to receive marketing calls. You can also opt out from being contacted anytime.

Stay safe with our tips to stop telephone fraud

Never give your personal or financial information to people you don't know, including your bank account and credit card details, passwords, PINs and SIN.
Don't answer calls from an unknown number or one-ring calls. Let it go to your voicemail instead.
Don't trust your caller ID. Fraudsters use "caller ID spoofing" to change the information that shows up on your display.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a legitimate company, always ask to call them back on their official phone number. Find business phone numbers from companies, such as Visa, on the back of your card, an official website or old statements.
Hang up on automated calls. Don't follow instructions on pre-recorded messages, as it's most likely fraud.
Slow down and ask questions. Don't give in to the urgency or pressure from a caller. Fraudsters use this tactic to get your information.
Put your number on Canada's National Do Not Call List Opens in a new window.. This won't stop scammers from calling, but it reduces unsolicited calls.
Use call blocking or call labeling. See what services your phone carrier provides. Check the reviews for a good call-blocking app for your cell phone.

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Report fraud

Explore more types of fraud and scams

Learn more about telephone fraud

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Opens in a new window.

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

Canadian Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

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

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Opens in a new window.

Spot and avoid scams that could exploit your tax and personal information.

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Protect yourself from telephone fraud

What you need to know

Recognize the signs of telephone fraud

Unexpected calls

Invasive questioning

Urgent demands

Third-party calls

Know when we'll call you

Requested calls

Unusual account activity

Service updates

Stay safe with our tips to stop telephone fraud

Notice anything suspicious? Let us know.

Explore more types of fraud and scams

Learn more about telephone fraud

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