From Credit Card Scams to Identity Theft: What You Need to Know

We shop, bank, work, and socialize online, but with convenience comes risk. 

Online theft is on the rise, and cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever. From stolen credit card numbers to full-blown identity theft, the threats are real—and growing.

At Teqare, we see digital safety as a key part of our overall wellness. And we’re here to help you protect your information, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Common Types of Online Theft

Online crime comes in many forms, and it can affect anyone. Here’s what you should look out for.

Credit Card Fraud

One of the most common forms of digital theft is credit card fraud. It can happen when your card details are stolen online or in person. Criminals then use your information to make unauthorized purchases.

Red flags include:

• Strange charges on your statement

• Notifications about changes you didn’t make

• Transactions being denied, even when your balance looks fine

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves stealing your personal information, like your Social Insurance Number (SIN), address, or date of birth, to impersonate you. 

Thieves may:

• Open accounts or loans in your name

• File fraudulent tax returns

• Access government benefits illegally

This type of fraud can take months (or years) to undo and may affect your credit and personal records long term.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are messages that pretend to be from trusted places like banks or the government. They ask you to click links or give up information.

Watch out for:

• Poor spelling or grammar in messages

• Unfamiliar links or email addresses

• Requests for immediate action or password updates

Account Takeover

Once someone gets your login info, they can lock you out of your own accounts—email, banking, or social media—and:

• Send messages that trick your contacts

• Access saved passwords or payment info

• Steal your identity

How to Protect Yourself from Online Theft

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe online. Here are a few habits that go a long way.

• Use strong, unique passwords (and a password manager if you can)

• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

• Never share personal info by text or email

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking

• Check your credit report and bank activity often

• Be cautious with unknown links or calls—verify first

Also, consider using a password manager to store login credentials securely and generate strong passwords automatically.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you suspect your information has been stolen:

1. Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to freeze your accounts

2. Change all affected passwords and enable 2FA

3. Report the fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

4. Place a fraud alert on your credit file and monitor changes

5. Notify service providers if your email, phone, or social accounts are compromised

Acting quickly can limit the damage and help you recover faster.

How We Help at Teqare

Online safety doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. At Teqare, we break it down with care and clarity.

• Educational workshops and webinars

• Step-by-step digital safety guides

• Personalized support for fraud prevention and recovery

• Easy-to-follow resources designed for all levels of tech experience

Digital safety doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be a priority.

Stay One Step Ahead of Online Theft

Digital safety is for everyone. Whether you’re new to online banking or helping your family stay safe, knowledge is your best protection.

Get in touch with us today to learn how to keep your information—and identity—safe online.

Disclaimer: At Teqare, we share knowledge to help protect and empower our communities online. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always seek guidance from a trusted professional for your specific situation. We do our best to keep information current and relevant, but digital threats can evolve quickly. Stay alert, stay curious, and reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya