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Helping someone else
If someone you know got scammed.
Start with support. Save the lecture for never.
Shame makes it harder to ask for help. Practical support makes it easier to take the next step.
Stay calm and listen
Ask what happened only as much as they want to share. Scams are designed to rush, confuse, impersonate, and pressure people. Someone who was scammed doesn't need a post-game analysis of what they should've noticed.
Help with the next step
Help them contact a bank, account provider, service provider, employer, platform, or government agency through verified contact information. Offer to sit with them while they make a call. Help them save official reporting links and report fraud or cybercrime if they want.
What to avoid
Avoid contacting suspected scammers yourself. Avoid shaming, blaming, or demanding details. If someone may be in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services when it's safe. If control or monitoring may be involved, help them find specialized support.
Useful phrases
'I'm glad you told me.' 'This can happen to anyone.' 'Let's take one step at a time.' 'Do you want help finding the official contact?' 'We can report this together if you want.' 'You don't have to figure it out alone.'
Try this now
Save the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reporting link so you can share it if someone needs it.
What not to assume
Someone who was scammed isn't responsible for the scam. The person who ran it is.
Support isn't a post-game analysis. It's helping someone take the next useful step.
Official Canadian resources
If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number when it's safe to do so.