Security and Fraud Awareness Program

1. Romance Scams

Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps/social media to build emotional connections, then request money for "emergencies" (e.g., medical bills, travel).

Red Flags:

  • Rapid declarations of love/trust.
  • Refusal to meet in person or via video call.
  • Requests for payment via gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers.

Example:

"I’m stuck abroad and need $5,000 for a flight home. I promise to pay you"

Prevention:

  • Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
  • Reverse-image search profile pictures to check for duplicates.

2. Employment Scams

Fake job offers (e.g., "remote work," "secret shopper") that require upfront payments for "training" or equipment.

Red Flags:

  • Unsolicited job offers with high pay and no interview.
  • Requests for personal information (SIN, bank details) upfront.
  • Payment requests disguised as "registration fees" or "taxes."

Example:

"Congratulations! You’ve been hired as a Quick Collect agent. Pay $500 for your starter kit."

Prevention:

  • Verify job postings on Quick Collect’s official careers page.
  • Legitimate employers never ask for payment to hire you.

3. Investment Scams

"Get-rich-quick" schemes (e.g., fake crypto platforms, stock tips) promising unrealistic returns.

Red Flags:

  • Pressure to invest immediately.
  • Claims of "guaranteed" or "risk-free" profits.

Prevention:

  • Research companies via official registries (e.g., SEC, FINRA).
  • Avoid unsolicited investment offers.

4. Phishing/Smishing Scams

Fake emails, texts, or calls pretending to be Quick Collect to steal login credentials or install malware.

Red Flags:

  • Misspelled URLs (e.g., "quick-collect.support" instead of "quickcollects.com").
  • Threats of account suspension unless you "click now."

Example:

"Your account has been locked. Click here to verify your identity."

Prevention:

  • Always log in via the official app/website—never through links in messages.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

5. Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams

Fake notifications claiming you’ve won a prize but must pay "processing fees" to claim it.

Red Flags:

  • You didn’t enter a contest.
  • Requests for payment via untraceable methods (e.g., prepaid cards).

Example:

"Congratulations! You’ve won $10,000! Pay $500 to claim your prize."

Prevention:

  • Verify contests through official channels (e.g., company websites).
  • Legitimate organizations never ask for payment to claim a prize.

6. Charity Fraud

Fake charities exploiting disasters or crises to solicit donations.

Red Flags:

  • High-pressure tactics for immediate donations.
  • Refusal to provide tax receipts or registration details.

7. Impersonation Scams

Criminals posing as government officials (e.g., IRS, CRA), tech support, or family members in distress.

Example:

"This is the CRA. You owe $3,000 in taxes—pay now via Bitcoin."

Prevention:

  • Government agencies never demand payment via crypto or gift cards.

8. Cryptocurrency Scams

Fake exchanges, wallet hacks, or "pig butchering" scams luring victims to invest in fraudulent crypto schemes.

Red Flags:

  • Unsolicited crypto investment advice on social media.
  • Requests to send crypto to "validate" your wallet.