New Brunswickers are being targeted by fake Interac e-Transfer notifications. These phishing scams are trying to get your personal and financial information, or install malware on your computer or mobile device.
How to recognize a fake Interac e-Transfer notification
Fake Interac e-Transfer notifications may include one or more of the following characteristics:
- Attachments: Interac does not send email attachments with their e-transfer notifications. If the email has attachments, it is fraudulent.
- It comes from the Canada Revenue Agency: The CRA does not us e-transfers to send or receive payments
- It says they’re holding money in escrow: Interac does not offer escrow services – these messages are fraudulent.
- You weren’t expecting it: If you receive an e-transfer notification when you weren’t expecting payment or money transfer, contact the sender through another channel to verify they are really sending you money.
- It’s sent from someone you don’t know: If you don’t know the sender, delete the message.
- There’s a generic greeting: Phishing emails are not personalized, and use generic greeting such as “Hi,” or “Dear Customer”.
Examples:
What to do if you receive a fake Interac e-Transfer notification
- Do not download any attachments. Interac does not send email attachments with their e-transfer notifications.
- If you receive an e-transfer notification you were not expecting, try to contact the sender separately through a different communication channel to confirm they are really trying to transfer money to you.
- If you receive an email stating that the CRA is trying to send you money or verify personal information, do not respond. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does NOT use the Interac e-Transfer service to receive or send payments.
- Report it, and then delete the message.
Where to report a fake Interac e-Transfer notification
Forward any email or text message that you suspect may be a fraudulent Interac e-Transfer to phishing@interac.ca
If you think you have been a victim of this scam, Interac suggests that you contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Learn more about how to report fraud and where to report fraud.