Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
416 Area Code Scam Calls - How to Protect Yourself

416 area code scams frequently involve fraudsters using Toronto-based numbers to spoof local, legitimate entities—like police or banks—to steal personal information, bank credentials, or money. These callers often pretend to be government agents (CRA) or fraud investigators, threatening arrest to incite panic.

416 Area Code Scams

  • Spoofed Bank/Police Calls: Scammers display 416 numbers that look authentic to target seniors or individuals in Toronto, pretending to be fraud departments, police, or the Department of Justice.
  • CRA/Service Canada Fraud: Automated messages or agents claiming your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is suspended or that you have unpaid taxes.
  • International "One-Ring" Scams: Unfamiliar 416 numbers call, hang up immediately, and hope you call back, resulting in high international, third-party fees.
  • Local Caller Spoofing: Using local 416, 647, or 437 numbers to trick you into picking up, making it seem like a neighbor, friend, or local business is calling.

Protect Yourself

  • Hang Up Immediately: If a call seems urgent, threatening, or suspicious, hang up.
  • Verify Independently: If a "bank" calls, hang up and call the number on the back of your official bank card, not the number they provided.
  • Do Not Trust Caller ID: Technology allows scammers to manipulate or "spoof" any phone number to appear local.
  • Never Give Information: Never share PINs, SINs, or bank information with anyone over the phone, especially if they call you.

Report scam calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police service.

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