The call display said it was from CIBC. It looked legit. Problem is, I don’t bank with CIBC – nor did I try to make an international purchase of $450 US on any of my credit cards. The man that called from Shaw TV last week was even more convincing. He seemed to know my cable package was coming up for renewal (or did he just get lucky?). He had a special limited time offer for me and just needed my address and account number, etc.
You see, it’s bad enough that people barely answer their phones anymore, or that you have to wait anywhere from 30min to an hour to get services at most large companies these days. But all of it begs the question – are our phones becoming useless?
Almost every day, people receive scam phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be from credit card companies, warning them about unauthorized charges or offering fraudulent deals. These scam calls aren’t limited to credit cards—they come disguised as utility companies, banks, or cable providers promising exclusive discounts. The tactics scammers use are getting more sophisticated, making it easier for them to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal information.
Seniors, in particular, are at a heightened risk, as they are often targeted more frequently than any other group. And with West Vancouver having such a high concentration of seniors living in our community, it is becoming a real and often dangerous problem. Without proper safety measures in place, or proper protection laws that can be enforced, we are running the risk of having to discontinue use of our phones in certain situations. And as a senior ages, and more scammers take advantage of a gentle and trusting generation, you have to wonder why more cell phone companies aren’t offering more ways to combat this growing threat.
With the rise of phone scams, it’s crucial to stay vigilant. Here are five of the best ways to protect yourself from these fraudulent calls:
1. Never Share Personal Information
Legitimate banks, government agencies, or utility companies will never ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number, passwords, or banking information over the phone. If a caller requests this, it’s a red flag.
2. Verify the Caller’s Identity
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from your bank, utility company, or credit card provider, hang up and call the company directly using their official phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
3. Use Call Blocking Technology
Most smartphones and phone carriers offer call-blocking or spam detection features. Enable these settings to filter out scam calls before they reach you. Additionally, consider using third-party apps that help identify spam numbers.
4. Don’t Engage with Suspicious Callers
If you receive a call from an unknown number offering deals or threatening consequences for unpaid charges, do not engage. Simply hang up. Scammers often try to pressure their victims into making quick decisions, so staying calm and refusing to interact reduces the risk.
5. Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness
Stay informed about common phone scams and warn your friends and family—particularly elderly relatives—about the latest tactics scammers use. The more people know, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to succeed.
Phone scams continue to evolve, but by staying alert, verifying calls, and using available safety features, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these deceptive schemes. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you—protect your personal information and stay one step ahead!
