{"id":99038,"date":"2026-10-01T14:21:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T18:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&#038;p=99038"},"modified":"2026-10-01T14:21:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T18:21:51","slug":"spotting-scams-the-six-stages-of-a-scam","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/spotting-scams-the-six-stages-of-a-scam\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotting Scams: The Six Stages of a Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\">Key  Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scams tend to follow a predictable arc, from the first contact through to the aftermath.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognizing which stage you\u2019re in can help you stop a scam before money or information changes hands.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each stage has its own warning signs. Knowing them can help you spot them faster.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acting quickly after a scam can limit the damage, and reporting it helps other people too.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><br>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-1-circumstance\">Stage 1: Circumstance<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every scam begins in the context of ordinary life, where scammers exploit common life events to cast a wide net. Circumstances like a recent move, starting a new job, health concerns or caring for an aging parent can make unexpected messages feel more plausible. Scammers capitalize on these moments by mass-sending targeted messages, hoping to catch individuals off guard. They don\u2019t know your exact circumstances \u2013 they\u2019re simply testing who will take the bait.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;background-color: #F5F8F9;margin-bottom: 1.5em\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-yourself\">How to protect yourself<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we\u2019re busy, distracted or outside our usual routine, it\u2019s easier to fall for a scam, especially if the messaging seems reasonable. That\u2019s why setting up protections before these moments is most helpful \u2013 signing up for transaction alerts, enabling two-factor authentication (automatically activated in Online Banking and the Mobile App for RBC clients) and saving your bank\u2019s phone number in your contacts all make the next stages harder for a scammer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-2-the-fall\">Stage 2: The Fall<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This stage marks the first interaction between the scammer and the target. Scammers often use sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, such as spoofing official contact information or mimicking trusted organizations. The initial message or communication typically presents a plausible reason for outreach, such as a security alert, account issue or urgent request. The goal is to establish credibility quickly, create a sense of urgency and maintain engagement to urge the victim to act. Common methods include phishing emails, fraudulent messages or impersonation of authoritative figures.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;background-color: #F5F8F9;margin-bottom: 1.5em\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-yourself\">How to protect yourself<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be alert for unsolicited contact, whether via email, message or call, that you did not initiate. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, demanding immediate action with threats of account closure, legal consequences or financial loss. A request for something confidential, such as a one-time code, a password, PIN or remote access to your device, is another red flag.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-3-blindness\">Stage 3: Blindness<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the stage that involves the victim taking direct action, such as transferring funds or sharing sensitive information, under the scammer\u2019s guidance. Scammers anticipate doubts and pre-emptively address concerns to maintain control. Common tactics include claiming the transfer is part of a confidential investigation, instructing the victim to keep the transaction a secret or promising that moving funds or sharing details will safeguard them.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;background-color: #F5F8F9;margin-bottom: 1.5em\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-yourself\">How to protect yourself<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any request for secrecy, coaching on what to tell your bank, suggestion that moving your money will keep it safe or pressure to act immediately without verification. If you encounter these tactics, end the interaction immediately and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or official channel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-4-trouble-in-paradise\">Stage 4: Trouble in Paradise<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this stage, inconsistencies emerge: promised outcomes fail to materialize, unexpected fees surface or explanations shift to explain away a delay. Victims often begin to feel uneasy and invested at the same time. Scammers respond with renewed assurances or added pressure to maintain control.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;background-color: #F5F8F9;margin-bottom: 1.5em\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-yourself\">How to protect yourself<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common red flags include a request for additional payments (i.e., a fee to release money that\u2019s already yours), shifting narratives or excuses from the scammer when questioned and repeated deadline extensions without resolution. At this stage, send nothing further, verify information independently through the organization\u2019s official number or website and talk things through with someone you trust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-5-crash\">Stage 5: Crash<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact abruptly ends at this stage \u2013 the number stops connecting, messages go unanswered or the scammer simply vanishes. Often the realization that something has gone wrong comes through a routine check \u2013 a balance that looks off, a conversation with a family member or a call to the real institution.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;background-color: #F5F8F9;margin-bottom: 1.5em\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-yourself\">How to protect yourself<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If anything feels off, it\u2019s wise to contact your financial institution as soon as possible. They can lock your cards and monitor your accounts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stage-6-the-aftermath\">Stage 6: The Aftermath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last stage is when you start to take steps toward recovery, including reporting what happened, protecting the accounts and information that may still be exposed and watching for future contact. Money that\u2019s been transferred can be difficult to recover, but the steps below can help limit further damage and give investigators something to work with. Reporting also helps protect others. With only&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/competition-bureau\/news\/2026\/03\/fraud-prevention-month-to-bring-hidden-crime-into-the-spotlight.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99038-2e7f4ce0\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"5 to 10 per cent of frauds reported\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">5 to 10 per cent of frauds reported<\/a>, each report helps authorities resolve cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fallen-victim-to-a-scam-heres-what-to-do-next\">Fallen victim to a scam? Here\u2019s what to do next<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Report the incident<\/strong>. Notify your bank and law enforcement.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scan your devices<\/strong>. If you clicked on a link or attachment, it\u2019s a good idea to run an antivirus scan to check for malicious software.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Change your passwords<\/strong>. Update passwords for any accounts that might be compromised.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lock down your credit<\/strong>. If you shared personal information with the scammer, it\u2019s a good idea to place a fraud alert on your credit report.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lock or cancel your credit card<\/strong>. If you inadvertently provided the scammer with your credit or debit card information, immediately lock and then cancel your card.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alert others<\/strong>. Warn friends and family so they don\u2019t fall for the same scam.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol><br>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our full\u00a0<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/cyber-security\/_assets-custom\/pdf\/Digital_Safety_and_Scams_Booklet_Personal_EN.pdf.\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99038-48b18e61\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Digital Safety and Scams\" class=\"rbc-link-format rbc-link-format standalone-pdf\" data-icon-class=\"standalone-pdf\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\">Digital Safety and Scams<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>guide includes a detailed list of reporting contacts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, along with key credit bureau and banking information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-grey-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:&nbsp;<\/strong>Fraud victims are contacted again more often than people expect from someone like an investigator, lawyer or specialist firm, offering to recover lost funds. Remember that no legitimate service asks for payment upfront to return money you\u2019ve already lost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-common-pattern-behind-many-different-scams\">A common pattern behind many different scams<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the details of a scam can take many different forms, the sequence tends to stay consistent: an opening that fits your circumstance, contact that seems legitimate, pressure to keep quiet and doubt that gets talked away. Recognizing the stage you\u2019re in is often enough to stop the next one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spotting scams is becoming increasingly hard to do. The best thing is to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/cyber-security\/alerts\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99038-8493ebcd\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"stay aware of current scams\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">stay aware of current scams<\/a>&nbsp;and understand the ways you can protect yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most scams move through the same six stages, whatever the story or method. Here\u2019s what the stages look like, how to recognize them and how to protect yourself along the way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":99039,"parent":57322,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[132,524,135],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[],"rbc_lob_group":[133],"rbc_difficulty_level":[],"rbc_mmm_category":[321,376,304,375],"rbc_mmm_author":[],"class_list":["post-99038","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cyber-crime","tag-cyber-security","tag-cyber-tips","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_lob_group-cyber-security","rbc_mmm_category-cyber-security","rbc_mmm_category-cyber-security-for-business","rbc_mmm_category-money-academy","rbc_mmm_category-understanding-cyber-safety"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_video_keywords":"","rbc_video_description":"","rbc_video_upload_date":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":[{"title":"Key  Takeaways","url":"#h-key-takeaways"},{"title":"Stage 1: Circumstance","url":"#h-stage-1-circumstance"},{"title":"Stage 2: The Fall","url":"#h-stage-2-the-fall"},{"title":"Stage 3: Blindness","url":"#h-stage-3-blindness"},{"title":"Stage 4: Trouble in Paradise","url":"#h-stage-4-trouble-in-paradise"},{"title":"Stage 5: Crash","url":"#h-stage-5-crash"}],"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":"Generate Table Of Contents"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Most scams move through the same six stages. 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