As fraud attempts become more frequent through phone calls, emails, texts and hyperlinks, many Canadians say they’re confident in their ability to detect it. A TD survey shows 90 per cent of Atlantic Canadians feel this way, yet half admitted to “risky” behaviours that could make them more vulnerable. These behaviours include clicking on links without verifying sources, using public Wi-Fi for financial activity, making downloads from unfamiliar sites and opening email attachments from unknown senders. TD says these recent findings indicate a gap between fraud awareness and the ability to act on preventing it. “Confidence can be a double-edged sword when it comes to fraud prevention,” Tarundeep Dhot, vice president of fraud management at TD, says in a news release. “While it’s encouraging that Canadians feel aware, overconfidence can sometimes lead to quick decisions or overlooked warning signs that scammers rely on.” Dhot says bad actors rely on people moving quickly and assuming they’re not at risk. Thirty-four per cent of Atlantic Canadians encounter fraud attempts weekly or even daily, according to the poll. The survey finds Gen Z is a leading demographic in learning fraud prevention, and 52 per cent say they’ve stepped in to help a family member deal with a scam. Dhot says younger Canadians tend to be seen as more tech savvy and take on the role of helping others navigate modern risks. “But digital literacy alone isn’t enough. Staying safe requires ongoing awareness, conversations and a willingness to pause and verify—even when something appears to be familiar,” he says. TD is offering some advice to avoid fraud, including:
