[Home Safety & Prevention] BC Telecom and Cyber Scam Prevention

Applicable Scenarios: Receiving threatening phone calls, suspicious text messages (SMS), or emails impersonating government bodies (CRA, RCMP), utilities (BC Hydro), delivery services (Canada Post), or loved ones using AI voice cloning.

Self-Help & Quick Solutions:

  1. “Failed Package Delivery” Texts: Scammers frequently spoof Canada Post, claiming you must pay a fee or update your address to receive a parcel. Never click the link. Canada Post will never text or email you to request payments, passwords, or credit card info.
  2. “Unpaid Taxes or Arrest Warrant” Threats: Scammers posing as CRA agents or local police threaten immediate arrest or electricity cut-offs (BC Hydro). Crucial Fact: Official Canadian agencies will NEVER demand payments via Bitcoin, cryptocurrency ATMs, or store gift cards.
  3. AI Voice-Cloning Scams (Grandparent Scam): Fraudsters use AI to clone a family member’s voice, claiming they are in an emergency (e.g., arrested or in a car crash) and need immediate bail money. Always hang up immediately and call your relative directly on their trusted, known number to verify.
  4. Filter and Report Spam: Turn on “Filter Unknown Senders” on your mobile device. Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM) so your telecom carrier can investigate and block the sender.

Who to Contact & Hotline Info:

  • If Money has been Lost or Identity Stolen: Contact your financial institution immediately to freeze accounts, and file a report with your local municipal police/RCMP.
  • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): Call 1-888-495-8501 or report cybercrimes online to flag the fraudsters.

FAQ

Why should I forward scam texts to 7726?

7726 spells “SPAM” on most phone keypads. Forwarding suspicious messages to this number allows Canadian telecom providers to flag, block, and investigate the numbers sending scams.

What should I do if I entered my banking password or Social Insurance Number (SIN) on a scam website?

Call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts and change passwords. 2. Contact credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion) to put a fraud alert on your credit report. 3. File a report with your local police department.