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Money and marketplaces
Money, marketplaces, and messages that want you to hurry.
Buying, selling, renting, working, investing, donating, and getting paid online without treating every request like an emergency.
If money is involved, slow down and verify the other side through a known channel.
Marketplace buying and selling
Keep transactions within the platform's usual process when possible. If a buyer or seller insists on a different payment method, courier, or link, that's a reason to pause. Convenient for them isn't automatically useful for you.
Rental and housing scams
If you can't view a place in person or through a verified video tour, be cautious. Don't send deposits before you've confirmed the listing and the person through independent means. Pressure to pay before you've checked is a reason to slow down.
Job scams
A real job offer can survive a second look. If you're asked to pay for training, equipment, or a background check before you start, research the employer through official public channels before sending anything.
Fake invoices and payment-change requests
If a supplier, employer, or contact says their payment details changed, verify through a known contact before you send money. 'We changed our bank details' is a common opening.
Investment, crypto, and 'too good' offers
Guaranteed returns, pressure to act fast, and requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto are reasons to pause. Good news can wait 30 seconds too.
If money may be at risk
Contact your financial institution using contact information you find independently—as soon as you can. Then use official fraud-reporting pathways. You don't have to sort it all out alone.
Try this now
Choose one rule for money requests: 'I verify payment changes through a known contact before I send anything.'
What not to assume
A person can sound convincing, urgent, friendly, or professional and still not be who they say they are.
Money deserves a second look.
Official Canadian resources
If you're in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number when it's safe to do so.