Scammers target everyone, but young people get a particular set: fake jobs, fake prizes, fake investments and fake emergencies, often through the apps you already use. The good news is that almost every scam leaves the same few clues. Learn those, and you'll spot most of them.
The red flags
Urgency. "Today only", "within 24 hours", "or you'll be arrested". Real organizations give you time.
Secrecy. "Don't tell your parents" or "keep this between us". Scammers don't want anyone to talk you out of it.
Strange ways to pay. Gift cards, cryptocurrency, or an e-Transfer to someone you don't know. Real employers, banks and government agencies don't ask for payment in gift cards.
Too good to be true. Easy money, doubled investments, an amazing job with no interview.
Asking for private information. Your SIN, passwords, banking login, or a code sent to your phone. A real bank will never ask for your password or a verification code.
Common scams aimed at young people
Fake jobs. You're "hired" without an interview, then asked to pay for training or equipment. Or you're sent a cheque, told to deposit it and send part of the money back. The cheque bounces days later, and you're out the money you sent. Moving money for someone else can also make you a money mule, which is a crime even if you didn't know.
Government impersonation. A call or text claims to be the Canada Revenue Agency, saying you owe taxes and will be arrested unless you pay right away. The CRA doesn't threaten arrest or ask for gift cards or crypto.
Investment and crypto scams. Someone on social media shows off their winnings and offers to grow your money fast. Once you send it, it's gone.
Online marketplace scams. A buyer "overpays" and asks for a refund of the difference, or sends a fake payment email that looks like an e-Transfer.
Phishing texts. "Your package is on hold, pay $2.99 to release it." The link steals your card details.
Sextortion. Someone you met online threatens to share private images unless you pay. It isn't your fault. Stop replying, don't pay, keep the messages, tell an adult you trust, and report it to Cybertip.ca.
Try it: spot the scam
Read each message and decide: scam or legit? You'll find out right away, with the clue that gives it away.
Try it
Scam or legit?
Six messages. For each, decide whether it's a scam.
Text from an unknown number
Canada Post: your parcel is on hold due to an unpaid fee of $2.99. Pay within 24 hours or it will be returned: canadapost-redelivery.info
Your new manager, on your first day
Before your first shift, please fill out the TD1 form and give us your SIN so we can set up payroll.
DM on Instagram
I turned $200 into $2,000 in a week with this crypto app 🚀 Send me $200 by e-Transfer and I'll invest it for you. Spots are limited!
Phone call
This is the Canada Revenue Agency. You owe back taxes and a warrant will be issued for your arrest unless you pay $900 in gift cards today.
Your bank's app, which you opened yourself
We noticed a purchase of $64.20 at an online store. Was this you? Tap Yes or No.
Email about a summer job you didn't apply for
Congrats, you're hired as a remote assistant! We'll mail you a $2,500 cheque. Deposit it, keep $300 as your first pay, and e-Transfer the rest to our supplier.
If something seems off
Stop and don't reply, click or pay. Check by contacting the organization using a number or website you look up yourself, not one in the message. Talk to someone you trust.
If you've lost money or shared information, tell your bank right away, then report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online. Reporting helps even if the money can't be recovered, because it helps warn others.
That's the set
You've finished the student lessons. If you'd like to go further, the adult lessons cover how mortgages work, buying a first home, and managing debt and credit.
Worked figures are estimates based on the example inputs shown, checked October 11, 2026. Rates, rules and lender policies change, and your own numbers will differ. This is educational information, not financial advice.