A rush or a deadline
Pressure to act today, or else. Urgency stops you from thinking clearly.
“Your account will be frozen in 30 minutes.”
A free Canadian podcast in English, Punjabi & Tagalog
Scams are built to fool anyone. You can learn the signs.
Listen free, in your language
English
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ਪੰਜਾਬੀPunjabi
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FilipinoTagalog
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Plays free on YouTube, on any phone or computer. No account or sign-in needed. Episodes play one after another.
Short, calm episodes for seniors, non-tech-savvy Canadians and the families who look out for them. No jargon, no scare tactics, and never any blame.
Got a strange text or call? Check it now →
- 8 free episodes, with many more on the way
- Made in Canada
- Plain language
Latest: Episode 7The Perfect Fake: Texts and Emails in the AI Era
The one habit that stops most scams
When something feels off, take three steps.
1
Pause
Real banks, police and government offices give you time. If someone says you must act right now, that pressure is the warning sign.
2
Verify
Hang up. Call back using the number on your card, bill or the official website – never the number they gave you.
3
Talk to someone
Tell a family member, friend or your bank before you pay or share anything. Scammers want you to keep it secret.
Warning signs
Six red flags scammers use in Canada
Scams change every year, but the tricks behind them stay the same. If you spot even one of these, slow down.
Someone you “trust”
They claim to be the CRA, your bank, the police, Canada Post, Hydro, or a grandchild in trouble.
“Grandma, it’s me. Please don’t tell Mom.”
Odd ways to pay
Gift cards, Bitcoin machines, wire transfers or a courier picking up cash. No real agency asks for these.
“Buy Apple gift cards and read me the numbers.”
A caller ID that looks real
Scammers can fake the name and number on your screen. A familiar number does not prove who is calling.
“Check your phone – it says RBC, right?”
Requests for codes or passwords
Your bank will never ask for your PIN, password or the 6-digit code they just texted you.
“Just read me the code to confirm it’s you.”
Too good to be true
Prizes you never entered, a refund you weren’t expecting, or a “guaranteed” investment.
“You’ve won! Just pay the processing fee.”
Quick check
Got a call, text or email? Let’s check it together.
Tick anything that matches what happened. Nothing you tick leaves this page.
What this means
Tick any boxes that apply.
If nothing matches, that’s a good sign – but when in doubt, it’s always okay to hang up and call back on a number you trust.
The podcast
Every episode, free – and many more to come
Listed in order, from the Introduction to the newest. Start anywhere – or begin with the Introduction if you’re new. Press play to listen here – the next episode starts automatically – or open the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. New episodes are on the way – follow us so you don’t miss one.
If it already happened
Think you’ve been scammed? Here’s what to do now.
First: it is not your fault. Scams are run by professionals, and they fool doctors, lawyers and bankers too. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of stopping the damage.
- Stop all contact.Hang up, don’t reply, and don’t send any more money – even if they promise to “fix” it.
- Call your bank right away.Use the number on the back of your card. Ask them to stop or reverse payments and watch your accounts.
- Change passwords.Start with email and banking. If they had remote access, have someone you trust check the device.
- Report it.Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police. Reporting helps stop the next person from being targeted.
- Tell someone you trust.You don’t have to deal with this alone. Talking about it also warns others.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501
Toll-free. Or report online at antifraudcentre.ca
Got a scam text message?
Forward to 7726
That spells SPAM. It’s free on Canadian carriers and helps block the sender.
Money or identity at risk right now?
Call your bank, then local police
If you are in danger, call 911.
For families & caregivers
Have the conversation before the scammer does.
“If anyone ever asks you for money in a hurry – even if it sounds like me – call me first.”
- Set a family code word. A simple word only your family knows. If a “grandchild” calls in trouble, ask for it.
- Talk without judgment. People hide scams out of embarrassment. Make it safe to say “I think I made a mistake.”
- Write down trusted numbers. Bank, family, doctor – on paper by the phone, so there’s always a safe number to call back.
- Listen together. Share an episode and talk about it over coffee. One short episode can save thousands of dollars.
Apps & languages
Listen on the app you like
Every episode is free in English, Punjabi and Tagalog. YouTube works on any phone or computer without an account. If you already use Spotify or Apple Podcasts, pick it below.
Choose your app
| App | English | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTubeNo account needed | Listen | Listen | Listen |
| SpotifyFree Spotify app | Listen | Listen | Listen |
| Apple PodcastsiPhone, iPad, Mac | Listen | Listen | Listen |
| Pocket CastsAndroid, iPhone, web | Listen | Listen | Listen |
| Podcast IndexAny podcast app | Listen | Listen | Listen |
Punjabi and Tagalog episodes
Share them with parents and grandparents in the language they are most comfortable with. The advice and phone numbers are the same as in the English episodes.
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Punjabi
ਠੱਗੀਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਬਚਣਾ ਹੈ, ਹੁਣ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਣੋ।
Episodes released so far (0)
Tagalog
Filipino
Alamin kung paano maiwasan ang mga scam, ngayon sa Tagalog.
Episodes released so far (0)
The Punjabi and Tagalog editions are translated and voiced with the help of AI.
Listen wherever you are.
New episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Follow so you never miss one – and share it with someone you care about.