The urgent family message
A new number, a frightening story and a request to keep it secret.
Explore the example →← Find your starting point
Spot the pattern
Familiar tricks. A calmer response.
Practise with fictional messages based on patterns described by Canadian safety agencies. No real scam links, phone numbers or personal information.
A pattern library, not a live alert feed.
Reviewed October 5, 2026. These examples teach warning signs; they do not identify every scam or prove that a different message is safe. Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for its current notices.
The small delivery fee
A tiny payment request can lead to a fake card-payment page.
Explore the example →The account that needs “verification”
A convincing warning asks for the very information that protects your account.
Explore the example →The alarming support pop-up
A website claims your device is infected and offers urgent “help”.
Explore the example →The relationship that turns into an investment
Trust builds over time, then a new online friend offers a special opportunity.
Explore the example →The promise to get your money back
A second approach targets someone who has already lost money.
Explore the example →Looking at a real message?
Do not paste it here. Use our questions to choose a safer next step without sharing its contents.
Open the guided check →