Have you ever nearly been convinced by an email, text or phone call that you needed to click a link or share private information? The deluge of messages, virtual or otherwise, that Canadians receive can sometimes make it easy to slip in our vigilance against fraud. A new RBC poll finds 98% of respondents have seen more targeted and sophisticated scams.
"With the increase in volume and sophistication of scams, it’s understandable that Canadians are finding it challenging to always have their guard up when it comes to fraud. Criminals are using the latest technology to gather information, build trust, create urgency and prey on people’s needs and fears," Vanja Gorazi, RBC’s vice-president of fraud management, said in a statement.
"This has led to a wave of investment, romance, senior and other scams. It has never been more important to stay alert."
Nearly nine out of 10 (89%) noted a rise in scam attempts more than ever before, up significantly from 2023.
Fool me once, fool me twice
The majority (86%) of respondents believe it is getting harder to recognize scams and protect themselves; two-thirds are feeling tired of always having to be on the alert; and one-third admit to letting their guard down.
Scams are getting smarter, and according to recent poll results, people are taking notice. At the top of the list? Phishing and spear phishing.
If you’ve ever received a sketchy email or text that seems off, you’re not alone. Phishing refers to those broad, deceptive messages designed to trick you into clicking a link or giving up personal information. Spear phishing takes it a step further. These scams look even more convincing, often appearing to come from a trusted contact, like your bank or a coworker.
But that’s not all that has people worried. A staggering 76% of respondents say they’ve seen more scams specifically targeting seniors. And in a world where artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, deep fake AI scams are on the rise, too — 65% of people have noticed more of these high-tech scams impersonating trusted individuals or organizations, up from 56% last year.
As scams become more sophisticated, staying informed is more important than ever. Whether it’s an email that seems too good to be true or a voice on the phone that doesn’t quite sound right, a little extra caution can go a long way.
What’s the best defence against scammers?
The vast majority of Canadians believe it’s worth it to take steps to protect themselves against fraud. With scams, they recognize the need to question what they see and hear, with 91% of respondents believing the best defence against scams is staying aware and vigilant.
Moreover, 71% feel prevention measures must be extreme to be effective.
Respondents to the poll were asked what if any preventative measures they were already taking to avoid falling prey to the onslaught of scammers. Of those asked:
- 93% never share passwords, PINs, or login details with anyone
- 92% never respond to unsolicited texts, calls or emails
- 91% say "no" when pressured to respond to an urgent request or offer
- 84% always use more than one way to authenticate themselves where possible
- 71% no longer trust any form of communication, even if it seems to come from a trusted source
Survey methodology
RBC commissioned an online survey of 1,500 Canadian adults that are members of the Angus Reid Forum from January 17 to 22, weighted on age, gender, region and education according to the latest census data.
This article Canadians experiencing ‘fraud fatigue’ after targeted scamsoriginally appeared on Money.ca
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
