Think Before You Click: 7 Ways to Protect Your Personal Info and Finances from Phishing, Vishing and Smishing Scams

Canadians lose billions of dollars to fraud and scams every year, much of it through phishing, vishing, and smishing—social engineering scams criminals use to trick their targets into sharing their personal or banking information. Anyone can be targeted, but the right habits can keep you safe.

Here are seven ways to protect yourself:

1. Get to Know the Scams
   Fraudsters often pose as trusted organizations — such as financial institutions, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), or law enforcement — and use urgent messages to pressure you into quick actions without thinking.
   
   
2.  Understand Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing

• Phishing: Fake emails or instant messages that aim to trick you into sharing information. Watch for urgent messages, suspicious links, or attachments.
• Vishing: Fraudsters call you, pretending to be officials and ask for personal details. For example, you may receive a call saying your social insurance number (SIN) has been compromised in an attempt to get you to share your SIN number.
• Smishing: Scam texts that look official, like fake messages about traffic tickets. Remember, organizations like the Ministry of Transportation would never contact you this way.

3. Spot Red Flags
   
   Be wary of:

• Unexpected requests;
• Unfamiliar email addresses or phone numbers;
• Spelling and grammar mistakes;
• Urgent or threatening language;
• Suspicious links — hover before clicking on them to ensure the URL looks official and think before opening unfamiliar attachments;
• Payment changes or requests — contact the individual at a trusted phone number for verification; and
• Any name that appears in the brackets of an auto-deposit confirmation page as it should match the recipient’s name exactly.

4. Know the Things Your Financial Institution Would Never Ask You For

Kindred Credit Union will never request your Personal Access Code (PAC or password), debit card PIN, or two-step verification (2SV) code by phone, email, or text. If you’re unsure about a communication, call our team directly at 1.888.672.6728 for verification.

5. Stay Safe on Social Media

Limit what you share online. Be skeptical of offers that feel too good to be true, including online gambling or investment opportunities. Always confirm you know the person you are communicating with and never share money or personal details with a stranger.

6. Be Proactive

Use complex passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or 2SV, keep your devices updated, install anti-virus protection and avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking. 

7. Stop, Check, and Talk

The Canadian Anti-Scam Coalition recommends that you stop, check, and talk anytime you are asked for personal or financial details. If something feels off, pause, verify the request, and talk to someone you trust.

If you suspect you have been targeted or compromised, contact Kindred Credit Union immediately. We can help you mitigate further risk and ensure your finances and personal information are secure.

For more information on fraud prevention, click here.