Envision Financial

AI is making scams harder to spot, but a quick pause can still help protect you.

Scammers are using AI to create realistic emails, text messages, websites, images, videos and voice recordings. It’s harder to spot the fakes, but you can help protect your money by watching for:
• Pressure to act quickly
• Requests for money, passwords or personal information
• Threatening or fear-based messages
• Offers that seem too good to be true
• Content that seems unusual or out of character

Always think twice about an unexpected message. You can help yourself by pausing to verify it using contact information you already trust.

If you receive an unusual request, our advisors are here to help you make safe financial decisions.
Reach out to us or visit or cba.ca to learn more about AI-generated scams.

It’s natural to be excited about a new job, but don’t let eagerness override your intuition. Employment scams are common and can start with fake job offers by text or email. They usually make big claims and may ask for personal information (like your SIN) early on—even before an interview.

Be cautious if you receive:
• An unsolicited job offer
• A promise of easy money
• A cheque you’re asked to deposit and send some of the money
elsewhere
• An opportunity that asks you to receive or transfer money through your
personal bank account

Before you accept any job offer, verify the job on the company’s official website and contact the company directly. Don’t share personal information or move money for someone you don’t know.

For more great fraud awareness knowledge like this, visit the Canadian Bankers Association website at cba.ca

A call or notification on your phone asks, “Do you know who this is?” Before you answer, take a moment and don’t share any information.

“The Emergency Scam” is a common tactic used by fraudsters. It starts with someone pretending to be a grandchild or loved one in urgent trouble. They may ask for money and tell you to keep it a secret.

How to respond:
• Don’t share names or family details
• Hang up and call your loved one using a number you already know
• Confirm the story with another family member
• Never send cash, gift cards or a wire transfer to an unexpected caller
• Consider choosing a code word with your loved ones in advance

For more fraud-prevention tips and resources like this visit the Canadian Bankers Association website at cba.ca