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Our complete guide to staying safe online

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✔️ Online Safety Checklist

A quick guide to help you stay safe when something feels suspicious online.

 

🔶 1. Before You Click Anything

☐ Do I recognize the sender?

☐ Was I expecting this message or attachment?

☐ Does the email or text create urgency (“Act now!” “Your account is locked!”)?

☐ Is the spelling, grammar, or tone unusual?

☐ Does the link look odd (extra letters, wrong domain, missing HTTPS)?

***If unsure: Don’t click. Don’t reply. Delete it.***

 

🔶 2. When Someone Messages Me Asking for Money

☐ Did I verify the request by calling the person directly?

☐ Are they asking for secrecy or saying “don’t tell anyone”?

☐ Are they asking for gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, or e-transfers? (If yes: It’s almost always a scam).

 

🔶 3. Online Romance or Friendship Check

☐ Have we video chatted to verify their identity?

☐ Are they asking for money, gifts, or personal information?

☐ Do their stories change or sound dramatic (accidents, sick relatives, sudden emergencies)?

☐ Have they avoided meeting in person?

***If they ask for money — it’s a scam. Every time***

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🔶 4. Tech Support Pop-Up or Phone Call

☐ Did a message suddenly appear saying my “computer has a virus”?

☐ Is someone asking to take remote control of my computer?

☐ Are they claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or “your bank”?

***Real companies do not contact you this way. Hang up and close the window.***

 

🔶 5. Checking for Phishing Emails (Fake Messages)

☐ Does the email address look slightly wrong (extra numbers or letters)?

☐ Do they ask for your password, SIN number, banking info, or personal data?

☐ Does the message threaten consequences if you don’t act immediately?

***Never enter personal information through an email link.***

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🔶 5. Receiving Fake Phone Calls or Text Messages

☐ Is the caller asking for my SIN, banking info, passwords, or verification codes?

☐ Are they trying to scare me (“You owe taxes,” “Your account is locked,” “Your computer is infected”)?

☐ Are they pressuring me not to hang up?

***Real institutions will never demand personal information over the phone. Hang up and call the official number yourself.***

 

🔶 7. Protecting Your Accounts

☐ Do I use strong, unique passwords for each account?

☐ Is two-factor authentication (2FA) turned on for email, banking, and Facebook?

☐ Do I review my Facebook privacy settings at least once a year?

***These steps block most hacks and impersonation attempts.***

 

🔶 8. When in Doubt — STOP and CHECK

☐ Have I asked a trusted family member or friend for a second opinion?

☐ Did I take a moment to pause before reacting?

☐ Have I reported the suspicious message or profile?

***You are never bothering anyone by asking for help. Scammers want you to act fast — slowing down protects you.***

 

🔶 Useful Canadian Resources Canadian

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