Guide
Scam and telemarketing calls in Canada
Phone scams work on pressure, not on technology. Almost every case reported to NumberCheck follows the same shape: an urgent problem, an authority you trust, and a request that has to happen right now. Once you recognise the shape, the specific story stops mattering.
The six patterns we see most
Bank impersonation
“We've detected fraud on your account — transfer your money to a safe account.”
The most costly scam reported in Canada. Callers spoof a bank's real number, know some of your details, and create urgency. No bank will ever ask you to move money, read out a one-time code, or install remote-access software.
Tax office and debt threats
“There is a warrant for your arrest over an unpaid tax debt.”
Recorded or aggressive live calls demanding immediate payment, often by gift card or crypto. The CRA never threatens arrest by phone and never demands payment in vouchers.
Parcel and delivery texts
“Your package could not be delivered. Update your address here.”
Smishing SMS with a link to a fake courier or Canada Post page harvesting card details. Track deliveries only through the courier's own app or website.
Internet, telecom and tech support
“Your internet will be disconnected today unless we fix your router.”
The goal is remote access to your computer or your banking logins. Your internet or phone provider will never cold-call to install software, and neither Microsoft nor a carrier calls households about a virus on their computer.
Wangiri (one-ring) calls
A single missed call from an unfamiliar or overseas-looking number.
You are meant to call back and be routed to a premium-rate service. Never return a one-ring call from a number you don't recognise — search it instead.
Telemarketing and surveys
Solar panels, insurance comparisons, energy switching, “short surveys”.
Often lawful but unwanted. Register on the National Do Not Call List, and report persistent callers so others recognise the number. Not every unwanted call is a scam — categories matter.
Why the caller ID looks legitimate
Number spoofing lets a caller display almost any number, including a real 1-800 line belonging to a bank or a federal agency, or a local number from your own area code. STIR/SHAKEN call authentication helps carriers flag some of this traffic, but it does not stop all of it — which is why a familiar number on screen proves nothing on its own. Our guide to Canadian number formats explains which prefixes belong to which kind of service.
What to do when the phone rings
- 1Don't confirm anything. Never repeat codes, passwords, card numbers or your date of birth.
- 2Hang up and dial the organisation yourself, using a number from your statement, card or its official website.
- 3Never install software or grant screen access to someone who called you.
- 4Let unknown numbers go to voicemail, then search the number here before calling back.
- 5Block the number in your phone, and report it so the next person is warned.
If you have already shared something
Call your bank straight away — most have a 24-hour fraud line — and ask them to freeze cards and reverse transfers. Change passwords on any account you mentioned, and turn on two-factor authentication. Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and, if your identity may be exposed, contact IDCARE. Then add a report for the number so others recognise it.
Reduce unwanted calls before they start
- Add your numbers to the National Do Not Call List — it is free and covers telemarketers.
- Enable your carrier's scam-call blocking; most Canadian carriers offer it.
- Turn on silence-unknown-callers on iOS or Android for a quieter phone.
- Don't publish your mobile in public listings or classified ads.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reports on NumberCheck reflect visitors' personal experiences. See our community guidelines for how they are managed.