The picture shows the spam message.
Most Canadians believe they can spot a scam. Yet a new RBC poll shows many still fall victim, especially as AI scams grow more sophisticated. The findings highlight a widening gap between confidence and real-world vulnerability.
Canadians Believe They’re Scam-Savvy — But Many Still Get Tricked
The poll shows 86% of Canadians think they can recognize a scam. But 25% admit they’ve been victims. Many expect this holiday season to bring even more fraud attempts, fuelled by AI tools that mimic voices, rewrite messages, and create realistic fake identities.
Ottawa senior David Pittman says AI scams are becoming alarming.
“I’m getting really worried about that,” he said. Pittman now avoids engaging with suspicious calls. “If I get something about my banking, I’ll call directly. I won’t trust anything anymore.”
Silent Victims Make Scam Trends Harder to Track
One of the biggest challenges, according to RBC, is underreporting. Many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed.
“Ten per cent of people experienced a scam and never told anyone,” said Geoffrey Morton, RBC’s senior director of fraud strategy. He says this silence makes it harder for banks and regulators to track new scam tactics.
Another 32% of respondents said they would only report a scam if they lost money, leaving many attempts undocumented.
Every day, Canadians Are Exhausted by Scam Attempts
For younger Canadians like Ottawa student Seth Poirier, the solution is simple: delete suspicious messages immediately. He avoids clicking links and treats any unexpected email as a potential threat.
Others say the constant wave of scam attempts is overwhelming.
“It’s invasive and annoying,” said Ottawa resident Michelle Vaillancourt, who receives up to three scam emails daily, along with texts and phone calls. “It’s wearing me down.”
Experts warn that during the holiday season, when online shopping surges, consumers must stay vigilant. Seniors face higher risks because many are less familiar with evolving digital threats.
“They pick on seniors,” said Ottawa senior Carole Pittman. “I just think it’s terrible.”
Simple Advice: Trust Only What You Start
As fraud attempts rise, some seniors rely on one straightforward rule.
“If you initiate something, it’s probably okay,” said Dwight Hill.
“But if something asks you to act, it’s probably a scam.”
This mindset helps consumers distinguish legitimate communication from trickery designed to provoke panic or urgency.
RBC Warns of Common Scams This Holiday Season
With scam activity peaking during shopping months, RBC urges Canadians to watch for these top holiday scams:
1. Phishing Emails and Texts
Messages claim your account is hacked, offer refunds, or push irresistible deals. Links may install malware or take you to fake login pages.
2. Missed Delivery Notices
Scammers impersonate trusted delivery companies. They send “delayed package” alerts to steal personal and credit card details.
3. Fake Bank Alerts
Texts or emails warn of urgent suspicious activity. They pressure you into clicking a link to “secure your account,” leading to credential theft.
A Growing Need for Scam Awareness in Canada
The RBC poll on scams reveals a dangerous pattern: Canadians feel confident, but scammers are evolving faster than ever. AI tools make fraud more convincing, while underreporting leaves authorities blind to emerging threats.
As the holiday shopping season intensifies, experts urge Canadians to slow down, verify messages, and trust only communication they initiate. Scam awareness, they say, remains the strongest defence against increasingly clever fraudsters.
