Your security, your responsibility. 

Vacation rental scam

A vacation rental scam occurs when fraudsters advertise a property they don't own/control or one that does not exist and ask for payment to secure the booking. These fake ads can look convincing. They may appear on social media or online marketplaces, use polished photos and offer attractive prices, all designed to get you to act quickly and pay a deposit. Before sending your money for a villa, apartment or vacation home, take a few moments to verify the listing. 

Always verify

• Verify the property: Search the property name, address and photos online to see whether the listing appears on reputable websites or trusted booking platforms. 
• Review the listing carefully: Look for reviews, a verified website and a consistent online presence. Newly created accounts with limited activity or missing details may be signs that something is not right. 
• Be cautious with payment requests: Take extra care if you are asked to pay by direct transfer or pressured to send funds quickly to “secure” the booking. A sense of urgency is often a red flag.
• Ask for more confirmation: Request additional photos, supporting details or a short video call to confirm the property and the person managing the rental.

Package Delivery Scams

Fraudsters may send you a text or email message about an issue with the delivery of your package. They may request that you follow a link to share or update your personal details, or may ask for a payment to release your package. These messages are often sent from an unknown phone number or email address and creates a sense of urgency by encouraging you to act immediately. 

Always verify

• Even if you expect a package, contact the package delivery service directly to verify the information received.
• Do not click on any links in the message.
• Stay current. Read and follow Safe Computing and Mobile Practices on a regular basis.

Phishing Scams

This is an attempt by fraudsters who pose as legitimate businesses or institutions, usually via email, to obtain sensitive information.

You may receive a generic email from an unknown email address, which may contain spelling errors. The sender usually aims to create a sense of urgency as they ask you to click on a link.

Always verify.

• Check website URLs (website address).
• Attackers rely on shortened links, redirects, and fake email addresses that mimic those of a legitimate organization. Before clicking a link, check its destination by hovering over it with your cursor.
• Delete suspicious emails or messages. 
• Call the sender or the organization to verify the information you receive.
• Stay current. Read and follow Safe Computing and Mobile Practices on a regular basis.

Smishing (SMS) Scams

This type of scam is a method that cyber criminals use to trick you by sending fraudulent SMS or text messages.

For example, you may receive a message indicating that there is an issue with your bank account. The sender will urge you to click on an unknown link in order to update your details to prevent a negative action from taking place e.g. your account being locked.

Always verify.

• Check website URLs (website address).
• Attackers rely on shortened links, redirects, and fake email addresses that mimic those of a legitimate organization. Before clicking a link, check its destination by hovering over it with your cursor.
• Delete suspicious messages. 
• Call the sender or the organization to verify the information you receive.
• Stay current. Read and follow Safe Computing and Mobile Practices on a regular basis.

Scotiabank will never send you text messages asking you to click on links, nor will we ask you to enter your account number, credit card number, CVV or card expiry date via any of our Online Banking or Social Media channels.

Vishing (Voice messaging) Scams

Also known as voice phishing, Vishing uses fraudulent phone calls to trick victims into sharing sensitive information, like username, password, PIN, debit & credit card numbers, other bank details.

The caller may attempt to impersonate an employee of a bank or another institution and may indicate that your account is at risk of being closed if you do not share your personal details.

Always verify.

• Hang up and call the official number of the organization to verify the information you receive or any request being made.
  
• Stay current. Read and follow Safe Computing and Mobile Practices on a regular basis.

Romance Scams

With this type of scam, an individual feigns a romantic interest in you with the intent to request financial assistance, investment or your personal details. They work to build trust, thereby getting you to drop your guard before asking for money under the guise of an emergency or shared future plans.  

Don't get caught in the hype

Be cautious of relationships that move quickly. While the promises may seem spectacular, avoid sending money or financial information to someone you haven’t met in person.

Gift Card Scam

In this scenario scammers reach out to you via an urgent email or text impersonating family, friends, acquaintances or someone in authority requesting gift cards. 

Always verify

These requests may be quite convincing, but before you act, verify the request with the person directly, especially when it seems out of character or urgent.

Gift cards are not intended for emergency situations. They’re meant for gifting and/or personal use. 

Grandparent Scam

This is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate your child, grandchild or another relative in distress to trick older adults into sending money or sharing personal information. 

Here’s how it typically works:

1. The Setup: the scammer calls, texts or emails pretending to be a grandchild (or a lawyer, police officer or doctor) calling on behalf of a family member.
2. The Emergency: they claim there is an urgent situation like a car accident, travel trouble, medical emergency or an arrest and say they need money immediately.
3. The Hook: the scammer pleads with the victim not to tell anyone (especially the grandchild’s parents) creating urgency and secrecy.
4. The Ask: they request money usually via wire transfer, gift cards or a payment app making it hard to trace or recover.

Always verify

Verify the caller’s identity by asking questions only your relative would know. Hang up and call your relative back or contact other family members before sending money.