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Module 1

📞 Phone & Grandparent Scams

📚 What you'll learn

  • Recognize common "grandparent" and emergency phone scam patterns
  • Know that real emergencies never require gift cards or wire transfers
  • Learn the one-step verification: hang up and call the person directly
  • Practice safe responses and verification steps you can use today

🎬 Watch: Protect Yourself From Fraud

Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

📌 Key Takeaways

1Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild, police officer, or lawyer
2They create panic with fake emergencies (accident, arrest, hospital)
3They demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or crypto
4They ask you to keep the situation secret from other family members
5Real family members can wait for you to verify — scammers can't
6The CRA, police, and courts will NEVER call demanding gift cards
7Always hang up and call your family member at their REAL number
8Set up a family code word that only your real family knows
9Scammers often call late at night when you're tired and less alert

🧩 Spot the Scam

Can you tell which of these are scams? Tap your answer to find out.

Question 1 of 5Score: 0/0

📞 Phone call: "Grandma, it's me, I was in an accident and need $2,000 in iTunes gift cards to get out of jail."

🔍 Learn More

Want to dig deeper? Search these topics for more information:

📄 Resources

📋 Printable Checklist

Keep this by your phone or computer — coming soon

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Discussion Guide

How to talk about this topic with your family — coming soon

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🤖 Research "Phone & Grandparent Scams" on Grokipedia

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This educational content is provided as a public service by TrustChekr. It is not legal or financial advice. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501.