Transcript: Threat and emergency scams

CIBC Commercial Banking Threat and Emergency Scams

[This video uses animation to convey spoken content.]

[Music plays]

[The CIBC logo appears.]

[Cyber fraud prevention: Threat and emergency scams.]

[A mobile phone appears on screen. The phone is receiving a call from an unknown number.]

>>Narrator: You receive a phone call from someone who says they’re your close relative and they’ve been in a bad accident.

They ask you to send money immediately to pay their medical bills.

Be careful, you may have become a victim of an emergency scam.

[What is a threat and emergency scam?]

In an emergency scam, a fraudster impersonates a loved one in order to steal a victim’s money.  

[The mobile phone reappears on screen. The phone is receiving text messages.]

First, they call or message their victim and pretend to be a close family member, usually a grandchild.

They might say they’ve been in a bad car accident, or that they’ve been kidnapped and need to pay ransom.

Then, they pressure the victim into sending money in order to save their life.

[Recognize a threat and emergency scam]

You might not realize you’ve been a victim until it’s too late. Protect yourself by looking out for the following signs.

A call or message from someone claiming to be a close relative or friend, asking you to send money urgently.

Common scenarios include needing bail or ransom, paying for emergency medical care, or help with a financial emergency.

They might also demand payment in an unusual way, such as through gift cards or cryptocurrency.

And they insist you must keep it a secret from the rest of the family to save them from embarrassment.

[Protect yourself]

You can protect yourself by remembering these 5 simple rules.

[Be skeptical]

Be skeptical of anyone who claims to be a close relative or friend but doesn’t sound or behave like the person you know.

[Ask questions]

If they claim to be in an emergency, ask questions and try to get proof.

[Beware of those who are evasive, secretive or pressuring for money]

Watch for warning signs such as being evasive, being secretive or pressuring you to send money immediately.

[Verify]

[Try to confirm their identity and story]

Do everything you can to verify their identity and their story.

[Call back on a trusted number]

[Phone a friend or family member to confirm]

Call them back on a trusted number, or phone a friend or family member who knows the person well and can verify their story.

[Protect your information]

Don’t reveal any personal information or identifying details about yourself or about your family member.

[Don’t send money or gifts]

And never send money or gifts to somebody you don’t know.

Cybercrime is on the rise, and you can protect yourself.

[To learn more about fraud, including what to do if you've been a victim, visit us.cibc.com/FraudPrevention.]

[The CIBC logo appears on screen. Legal disclaimer: “The CIBC logo is a trademark of CIBC.”]