For the whole family

The family scam sheet

Six rules that stop almost every scam, on one printable page. Stick it on the fridge, tape it by the phone, or hand it to someone you love. (For the French version, switch the language above before printing.)

🌵 Cactus Security — cactus.net

6 golden rules against scams

  1. Urgency is a red flag. Real banks and agencies never make you act "within 24 hours." Pressure to hurry IS the scam.
  2. Gift cards, e-transfers, crypto = scam. No government, bank, or company collects money that way. Anyone who asks is a fraudster — every time.
  3. Security codes are secrets. Never read a code from a text to anyone who calls — not "the bank," not "support." They never ask.
  4. Hang up, call back yourself. Use the number on your card or bill — never the number the caller or message gives you.
  5. Don't tap links in unexpected messages. Open the real site or app yourself. Unsure about a link? Check it free at cactus.net.
  6. When in doubt, wait and ask. Ask someone you trust before sending money or info. No honest deal dies because you waited an hour.
If it already happened
  1. Call your bank right away (number on the back of your card).
  2. Report it: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 1-888-495-8501.
  3. Step-by-step help: cactus.net/Scammed

Free checkers for links, emails, and texts — in English and French — at cactus.net. No account, no cost.