Safety & scams
Pause. Check. Protect.
A calm, practical response to suspicious calls, messages and visitors.
If you feel unsafe or a crime is happening now, call 911.
For non-emergency police help in Durham, call 1-888-579-1520.
Three rules that stop many scams
1. Pause
Scammers create urgency. You do not have to decide, pay or share information immediately.
2. Check
Hang up. Contact the person, bank or organization using a number you find independently.
3. Protect
Never share passwords, verification codes, your PIN, or remote access to your device.
Warning signs
- Payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or cash courier
- A caller says your grandchild is in secret trouble
- A threat that your account, benefits or taxes are in danger
- A stranger asks to control your computer or phone
- Pressure to keep the conversation secret
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501. Durham Regional Police non-emergency: 1-888-579-1520.