Protect Yourself from Scams

sarah58048
Apr 23
4 min read

Scammers have been part of our lives for a long time and will continue to be as we age. The biggest problem with scams nowadays is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Scammers can leverage AI to make calls that sound like they are coming from loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. In 2025, two of the main scams happening are CRA tax returns, Buying Gold for Retirement, and Bank calls. Join us on this journey as we explain each scam, how to best protect yourself and your loved ones, and who to contact if you become a victim of a scam.

Seniors are often a vulnerable target for many scammers. While we frequently hear that seniors are at risk, many of us are reluctant to believe that it could happen to us or our loved ones. This is why it's essential to stay informed about current scams, keep an ear out for news updates, and establish strategies for handling unknown calls. One effective technique for avoiding these scams is to refrain from answering calls from unknown numbers. Instead, let them go to voicemail. This allows the caller, potentially a scammer, to leave a message indicating their intent. Most scammers won’t leave voicemails unless they are using an AI program, resulting in messages that often sound robotic. However, there can be challenges with this approach due to spoofed numbers. A scammer might use a phone number that you recognize and manipulate their system to disguise the actual number they are calling from. This method can create the illusion that a legitimate entity, like your bank, is trying to reach you, even when it isn't.

Let’s first review some scams that have become quite common as of 2025. The CRA tax return scam has been prevalent for many years, and with tax season approaching, it will likely resurface. This scam usually involves a call, email, or text message stating that you can either improve your refund or that your tax information has been entered incorrectly, putting you at risk of arrest. To protect yourself from this scam, avoid giving out any personal information if requested. Remember, if the CRA was attempting to contact you, it would typically be through the mail, and they would already have your information on record. If you are unsure and want to verify whether the CRA is trying to reach you, hang up or ignore the text and email, then call the CRA directly. This way, you can ensure you are speaking with a legitimate representative rather than a scammer.

Another scam to be aware of is the Gold Retirement Fund scam, which has emerged this year. It involves a phone call or email claiming that the best way to protect your money and secure your retirement is by investing in or purchasing gold. The scammer may ask you to ship gold to yourself and arrange to meet you either at your home or a community location to “protect” it for you. Unfortunately, there have been three reported cases of seniors falling victim to this scam, resulting in losses ranging from $350,000 to $500,000. If you or a senior in your life is concerned about retirement planning or how to save and secure finances for the future, we recommend consulting a bank or a reputable business in your area that specializes in these services. To avoid falling for this scam, consider setting up a retirement plan through your personal bank in person or through one of the various retirement planning organizations in your community. If you or someone you love has been a victim of this scam, remember not to provide your home address (you can still return the gold if the scammer does not have it) and to contact the police immediately.

The final scam we want to highlight involves spoofed phone numbers, specifically when scammers impersonate bank representatives. They can use software to make their phone number appear as your bank's and/or emergency services official number. To protect yourself from this type of scam, it's best to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers; legitimate banks won’t call you out of the blue without an appointment. Further, they will never ask for your personal information (which they already have), so if a caller requests codes, names, addresses, or card numbers, it is not your bank. We recommend hanging up and calling the bank/ emergency services back directly to ensure you are speaking with an actual representative. If you or a loved one find yourselves in a situation like this (regarding your banking), please end the call immediately. Log into your online banking account to lock your cards and change your password. This action will help prevent scammers from accessing your information. However, it is important to visit the bank in person to obtain new cards, unlock your account, and ensure that nothing has been stolen.

We understand that these situations can feel scary and overwhelming. However, there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Never answer calls from numbers you don't recognize. Genuine callers won’t be offended if they go to voicemail. Scammers, on the other hand, won't wait for you to call back.

2. If you receive a message (text, email, or voicemail) claiming you owe money, contact the person or organization directly. Do not use any contact information provided in the message; instead, look up their number yourself and call them to verify.

3. Enable two-factor authentication for your online banking and any financial accounts. While it may be inconvenient, this extra layer of protection can alert you if someone tries to access your account.

4. Remember that your family members are unlikely to send texts, voicemails, or emails asking for money. Most would prefer to discuss such matters in person. If someone you think you know reaches out for financial help, hang up and call them back directly to confirm their request.

By staying informed and helping one another, we can reduce the impact of scammers. Share your experiences and knowledge about scams. Remember, you are not alone, and you are not the first person they have tried to deceive. Use the strategies outlined in this message and those shared by family, friends, and other sources to stay safe from scams.