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By Kenneth Cheung

DON'T FALL FOR THE TRAPS

Stay skeptical to avoid evolving online scams like fake Peavey Mart website

Feb 13, 2025 | 12:56 PM

As online scams become more sophisticated, and in some cases more localized, a cybersecurity expert warns Canadians to stay vigilant against fraudulent websites, fake social media ads, and phishing schemes that can lead to financial loss and identity theft.

Recent scams have involved companies such as the Dakota Dunes Casino and Peavey Mart released a notice warning customers not to fall for a fake website set up to take their money.

“People think they’re booking a trip, buying something on sale, or even gambling on a well-known casino’s website,” said Nashid Shahriar, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Regina.

“In reality, they’re handing over their credit card details to criminals.”

As of December 2024, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reported that 34,621 fraud victims had been recorded nationwide. More than 49,432 scams had been processed, resulting in losses exceeding $600 million.

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Shahriar, who earned his PhD in computer science at the University of Waterloo, said scammers use social engineering tactics to pressure victims into taking quick action—whether it’s clicking a link, making a payment, or sharing personal information.

“They impersonate trusted organizations, government agencies, or even family members,” he said. “The goal is to create a sense of urgency so people don’t have time to think critically before reacting.”

Nashid Shahriar. (photo/University of Regina)

One of the most common scams involves fake websites resembling legitimate businesses. Shahriar said fraudsters often make minor changes to a URL, making it difficult to spot at first glance.

These fake sites are then promoted through paid ads on search engines or social media, he added.

On Monday, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) warned about fake online casinos impersonating brick-and-mortar establishments like Casino Regina and Dakota Dunes Casino. The agency reminded the public that PlayNow.com is the province’s only legal online gaming platform.

How to spot and avoid online scams

Shahriar said scammers constantly evolve their tactics, making it difficult to detect fraud. However, there are key warning signs to watch for, including:

• Unsolicited messages — Scammers may contact you by text, email, or phone, posing as a bank, government agency, or tech support

• Deals that seem too good to be true — Fake retail sites often advertise massive discounts to lure victims.

• Urgent language — Messages claiming immediate action is required, such as paying overdue taxes or securing a bank account, are often fraudulent.

• Requests for unusual payments — Scammers may ask for cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers instead of traditional payment methods.

• Poor website quality — While some scam sites appear professional, others contain spelling mistakes, odd layouts, or missing contact details.

To protect themselves, Shahriar advises people to verify website URLs, avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts.

“If you enable two-factor authentication, even if a scammer gets your password, they still need a second form of verification—like a code sent to your phone—to access your account,” he said.

He also recommends visiting official government or company websites directly instead of relying on search results or social media ads.

Deepfake scams on the rise

Shahriar warns cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos and voice recordings, making scams even harder to detect.

“They could generate a video of a loved one asking for money in an emergency,” he said. “It’s incredibly convincing, and people can easily be tricked.”

A recent report from global software company Entrust found that deepfake fraud attempts occurred every five minutes in 2024, with digital document forgeries rising 244 per cent year-over-year.

In 2024, a deepfake video impersonating Jennifer Aniston came out, scamming people by promising to sell a MacBook Pro for just $10. (photo/Bitdefender)

It also highlighted growing concerns about AI-generated fraud, including fake accounts, account takeovers, phishing scams, and misinformation.

“The rise in face-swap apps and GenAI tools has allowed fraudsters to perform and scale increasingly believable biometric fraud attacks,” the company said. “The capacity for malicious usage is widespread and includes fraudulent account openings, account takeovers, phishing scams, and misinformation campaigns.”

What to do if you get scammed

For those who fall victim to fraud, Shahriar stresses the importance of acting quickly.

“Immediately report the scam to your bank, law enforcement, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre,” he said. “Change any compromised passwords and enable multi-factor authentication to prevent further damage.”

He warns that even if victims don’t lose money directly, scammers can still use stolen identities to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or commit crimes in their name.

“Scammers are constantly adapting, so we need to stay skeptical,” Shahriar said. “Always double-check before you click, share, or pay.”

To report an online scam in Canada, contact your local RCMP or the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com