As we approach the holiday season, many of us will spend more time online shopping for gifts, booking travel, sending money, and connecting with loved ones. While technology makes these activities more convenient, it also creates opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting users.
Online safety may not always be a trending topic, but it is an increasingly important part of community safety and well-being. As our society becomes more dependent on technology, and as artificial intelligence (AI) makes digital interactions more sophisticated, we must ensure that people have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves online.
The Growing Threat of Online Scams
Online fraud is a serious and growing concern in Canada. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadians reported more than $638 million in fraud-related losses in 2024, with older adults among those significantly affected. The federal government has also acknowledged that fraud is widely underreported, meaning the true financial and personal costs may be substantially higher. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Common scams include fraudulent online shopping websites, phishing emails and text messages, fake investment opportunities, romance scams, and impersonation scams in which criminals pretend to be bank representatives, government officials, or even family members.
AI adds another layer of complexity. Scammers can use AI-generated messages, images, and cloned voices to make fraudulent communications appear more convincing. A message that looks professional or a voice that sounds familiar is no longer enough to establish trust. Everyone needs to understand that digital content can be manipulated.
Protecting Older Adults in an Increasingly Digital World
Older adults can face particular challenges when navigating online services, especially when unfamiliar with newer technologies or when using digital platforms without adequate support. Online banking, government services, shopping, and communication increasingly require users to recognize suspicious links, protect personal information, and distinguish legitimate messages from fraudulent ones.
In 2024, Canadians aged 60 and older reported losing approximately $179.9 million to fraud, according to federal government figures. Investment fraud accounted for a substantial portion of those losses.
However, it is important not to assume that older adults lack digital skills or that online fraud only affects seniors. People of every age can be targeted. Digital literacy initiatives, accessible information, and supportive intergenerational learning can help people build confidence and develop safer online habits without fear or embarrassment.
Practical Tips for Staying Safe Online
Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts or communicating with friends and family, a few simple habits can make a difference:
- Pause before you click. Be cautious of unexpected messages, urgent payment requests, suspicious links, and offers that seem too good to be true.
- Verify the source. Contact banks, government agencies, businesses, or family members using a trusted phone number or official website, not the contact information provided in a suspicious message.
- Protect your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Shop carefully. Research unfamiliar retailers, check website addresses, and use secure payment methods. Be wary of unusually low prices and requests to pay through unconventional methods.
- Keep devices updated. Install software and security updates to address known vulnerabilities.
- Question what you see and hear. AI-generated images, videos, and voices can imitate people and organizations. Verify unusual requests independently.
- Talk about online safety. Share information with family members, friends, and older adults. Encourage questions without judgment.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Online Fraud?
Online safety is not solely an individual responsibility. Government agencies and law enforcement organizations are working to educate the public, identify emerging threats, and investigate fraud.
The Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe campaign provides practical cybersecurity information to help Canadians protect their accounts, devices, and personal information. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other organizations, collects fraud reports and shares information to support prevention and law enforcement investigations. These organizations also collaborate on public awareness initiatives, including Fraud Prevention Month.
If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, even if you did not lose money. You can report online or call 1-888-495-8501. If you have been defrauded, contact your financial institution and local police as appropriate.
Building Safer Digital Communities
At Revitaled, we recognize that community safety and well-being extend beyond our physical environments. As technology continues to shape how we access services, communicate, and manage our lives, digital literacy is becoming an essential life skill.
Although online safety may not always receive the attention it deserves, its importance will only grow as AI and other emerging technologies become more integrated into everyday life. Ensuring that people of all ages can recognize risks, access reliable information, and make informed decisions is an important step toward safer, more empowered communities.
This holiday season, make online safety part of your conversations with family and friends. Share reliable resources, check in with loved ones, and remember that asking questions is a strength—not a weakness.
A safer digital community starts with awareness, education, and looking out for one another.
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