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You know that sinking feeling when you realize the email, text, or phone call you just received... may not be from who you thought it was?
That’s when you realize you might be the victim of a scam.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a hacker, what should you do?
We met with Sheila Jonson, Information Systems Security Officer at Cambrian, to discuss the best course of action after experiencing fraud:
In 2023, 49% of Canadians said they were recently targeted by a fraud scheme.
That gives you an idea of just how common scams are—it’s estimated that globally, 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent every day.
With numbers like these, it’s likely that you or someone you love will be targeted by a scammer.
You can’t prevent those messages or risks from occurring. But what you can do is make every effort to protect your personal information.
That way, if the day comes, you will be better protected from the consequences of fraud and scams.
Common signs that your account has been compromised include:
“If a hacker gains access to your personal details, they can potentially sell it on the black market, commit identity theft, sell it for marketing purposes, post it online, hold your data for ransom, apply for credit cards or loans, intercept your tax refund, or take over your online accounts,” says Sheila.
Not sure what to do next? Follow these steps to protect yourself:
If you’ve identified the bad actor, one of the first things you should do is cut all contact. “Block the hacker or scammer as soon as you can,” says Sheila.
Have you lost your credit/debit card or noticed fraudulent transactions on your account?
“Make sure to temporarily freeze your bank account and credit card,” Sheila says.
To do so, contact us as soon as possible. Call 1-888-277-1043 and we can suspend or cancel the card to prevent further fraudulent transactions. We’re available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can suspend or cancel your Cambrian card through Online Banking.
Make sure your devices aren’t infected with viruses or malware by running virus scans and updating software regularly.
“Scan your device or browser for malware and suspicious connections,” suggests Sheila.
“To help prevent it from happening to others, report the scam to the authorities and spread the word about the scam.”
You can contact Equifax and Transunion, the major credit bureaus in Canada, to let them know you’re the victim of fraudulent activity. They will add a note to your file.
In addition, file a police report on the incident.
“Reporting scams helps law enforcement agencies track down and prosecute scammers. It can also help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams in the future,” says Sheila.
As soon as you’ve discovered that your information has been comprised, you should immediately change all your passwords.
If a hacker learns the password to one of your accounts, and you’ve used that same password for other accounts, then they can use it to gain more access to your personal information.
In the coming weeks and months, stay vigilant and watch your statements closely. If you spot any fraudulent activity on your credit or debit cards, contact your financial institution right away.
“I strongly advise members to monitor their bank accounts, credit reports, and other financial statements for any unauthorized activity. Keep a close eye on your email and social media accounts for any suspicious activity,” says Sheila.
“You can refund or dispute any unauthorized payments made under any of your financial accounts.”
Sheila shared that the best strategies for safeguarding yourself from scams include:
At Cambrian, protecting our members is one of our top priorities. If you suspect you’re the victim of fraud, contact us immediately—we’re here to help.
We would be happy to discuss your unique situation with you.
Our goal is to make complex topics like this one, simple.
It takes less than 5 minutes to make an appointment or to apply online. It is up to you how you want to meet your advisor - you will have the option to meet your advisor:
