Quebec Anti-Scam Centre: what to do after a suspicious text, call, transfer or account takeover
A practical decision path for fake Interac transfers, phishing, SIM swaps, Marketplace scams and identity theft, with next steps based on what information was exposed.
Contact the financial institution or card issuer immediately using the number on your card, statement or official app. Do not use contact information from the suspicious message.
What just happened?
This tool runs in your browser. Never enter a card number, SIN, password or security code.
What did you already provide?
Universal first move
- Stop the contact and do not click more links.
- Open the organization’s official website or app yourself.
- Save screenshots, receipts, addresses, phone numbers and transaction details.
- If money moved, contact the institution that processed the payment immediately.
- Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and consider a police report when identity or money was actually stolen.
Fake Interac and Marketplace payments
Verify the payment inside your own banking account. A screenshot or email is not proof of a deposit, and a seller should not have to pay a carrier, insurance or “release” fee to receive money.
SIM swap and account takeover
If your phone unexpectedly loses service, contact your mobile provider from another device and have them check SIM/eSIM changes. Secure your primary email first, then financial accounts and accounts that use that email or phone number for recovery.