An unexpected call or text: what to do next

Pause before you respond

Leave unexpected links and attachments alone. Don’t give an unexpected caller your passwords, PINs, verification codes or payment details. If the request feels suspicious, end the call.

A familiar name on the display does not establish who is contacting you. Caller ID can be disguised, and a voice can be imitated.

Check through a contact you trust

For an organization, use the number on a statement or its official website. For a person, use their saved number. Don’t rely on a phone number, link or new contact address supplied in the unexpected request.

Report suspicious texts

Get Cyber Safe explains how to forward suspicious SMS messages to your cellular provider at 7726 (SPAM). This is free in Canada. Follow the official phone-specific instructions.

Don’t reply “STOP” to an unknown suspicious text. If an incident occurred, save evidence first. You can then block the sender and delete the message. Reporting a text to 7726 does not replace reporting fraud to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

If you already clicked or shared something

The next step depends on what happened. Follow our money, passwords and account-information guide. You do not need to send Senior.ca the message or any private account information.