Scammers are trying to take advantage of public interest in government programs, by using fake texts and emails to try and trick Albertans into giving up their sensitive information. 

How to spot government scams

Government scams are designed to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy. They typically unfold in a few simple steps:

1. The Bait: You receive an unexpected text message or email claiming to be from a government body like the Government of Alberta, Police or other enforcement agencies, or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2.  The Lure: The message promises you a payment, refund, or benefit that is ready to be claimed. It will urge you to click a link to "deposit your funds" or "complete your application."
3. The Trap: The link takes you to a sophisticated fake website designed to look exactly like an official government portal. It will prompt you to enter personal details and, most importantly, your online banking login credentials and one-time passcodes. The scammer captures this information instantly and uses it to access your real bank account.

A common tactic is for the scammer to claim you need to click the link because Autodeposit isn't working. This is always a lie. If you have Autodeposit enabled, an Interac e-Transfer will go directly into your account, no clicks required.

How to Outsmart Scammers

Staying safe requires a healthy dose of skepticism and knowing what to look for. Follow these tips to keep your information and money secure.

Go Directly to the Source

Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. If you think you might be eligible for a government program, open your web browser and manually type in the official website address (e.g., alberta.ca or canada.ca). Log in to your secure account there to check for any messages or pending payments.

Verify E-transfer Links if You Expect One

A genuine Interac e-Transfer notification will come from notify@payments.interac.ca. Hover your mouse over any button to check that the URL begins with exactly https://etransfer.interac.ca/. If the address looks strange, it's likely a scam..

Protect Your Credentials

Never share your banking login details, passwords, or one-time passcodes with anyone. ATB and the government will never ask for this information in an email or text.

The best way to avoid this scam is to set up INTERAC e-Transfer® Autodeposit. With Autodeposit, your account is linked to your email address, so funds sent by Interac e-Transfer will be automatically deposited. No emails or text messages required.

For more details on how you can contribute to the fight against fraud, visit our Online Banking Security Guarantee and Banking and fraud prevention pages. You’ll find comprehensive details and helpful resources to further your understanding and enhance your online banking security.