General
General Products
Simple & Transparent! Policies that match all your insurance needs.
37K+ Reviews
7K+ Reviews
Scan to download
Life
Life Products
Digit Life is here! To help you save & secure your loved ones' future in the most simplified way.
37K+ Reviews
7K+ Reviews
Scan to download
Claims
Claims
We'll be there! Whenever and however you'll need us.
37K+ Reviews
7K+ Reviews
Scan to download
Resources
Resources
All the more reasons to feel the Digit simplicity in your life!
37K+ Reviews
7K+ Reviews
Scan to download
37K+ Reviews
7K+ Reviews
Our WhatsApp number cannot be used for calls. This is a chat only number.
Select Number of Travellers
24x7
Missed Call Facility
100% Claim
Settlement (FY23-24)
1-Day Adventure
Activities Covered
Terms and conditions apply*
Canada is a country located in North America that sees around 3 million tourists annually. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, an array of wildlife, multiculturalism and rich heritage, it is worth a visit!Â
Due to the large number of tourists, common scams and petty crimes are prevalent, especially in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
Below we have listed some common tourist scams in Canada along with some tips you can follow to avoid falling victim to them.
Let’s look at the most common tourist scams you should be aware of when visiting Canada.Â
Tourists have reported receiving messages from fake numbers or agencies claiming to be from Service Canada, Revenue Agency, Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, or Border Service Agencies. Scammers call or email tourists to try and get their personal information by pressuring them by stating false accusations and blackmailing victims.
To avoid falling for this scam, always remember that government officials and agencies never ask for personal information over call, text or email. You must always verify the caller before giving out any personal data.
Common around: Across Canada as this is a type of online scam.
Scammers will install devices at ATM machines to skim your card details. You might also find locals who are extra friendly, offering to help you with your card when at an ATM. They might try to steal your PIN code and make fraudulent activities through your card.
In other instances, your wallet/purse might get stolen or pickpocketed when in public places and scammers will then try to use your card information to steal money from you.
To avoid this scam, use ATMs at reputable banks and check for any suspicious attachments. Even when in public places, always make sure that your wallet is safely on you, and no one can pick pocket you.
Common around: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Many attractions, events or shows in Canada face the issue of having fake tickets sold to tourists. You will find locals trying to sell you tickets at great prices but be cautious as these tickets might not even be valid, and you might have lost your money over phony deals.Â
It is best to stick to authorized sellers and official websites when booking tickets for a show.
Common around: Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec City.Â
No matter where you go, petty theft and pickpocketing is a sure scam. As it is mostly prevalent in crowded areas and tourist hubs, people tend to lose out on their wallet, gadgets and other valuables.Â
That's why it's important to keep your belongings secure and be vigilant.
Common around: Tourist hotspots like Old Montreal or Gastown in Vancouver.
Popular tour places are also a hotspot for unlicensed tour guides. Locals tend to pose as tour guides and overcharge tourists or offer subpar services.Â
To avoid falling for this scam, you must always choose licensed tour operators and check for their reviews on official platforms.
Common around: Banff, Jasper, and Niagara Falls.
Counterfeit currency, fake winnings, credit card fraud, messages, emails or calls from people posing to be officials are all common types of currency-related scams that occur to tourists in Canada.
These scammers will ask for your personal information and bank details so they can transfer an amount to you. There are other cases where they might pressurize you to wire money to a bank account based on some made-up story.Â
To avoid losing money through these kinds of scams, you must avoid sharing personal data over the phone or online and verify the caller before taking any further action.
Common around: Any part of Canada, but most predominantly in Toronto and Vancouver.
If you must buy a new SIM card when in Canada, it is possible that your personal information and data might be at risk. Scammers will try to remotely swap your SIM card to another phone. This will deactivate your phone and the scammer will begin receiving all your texts, calls and access to any apps and information on your phone.
This is possible often through phishing or mail theft. They can also access any information you share publicly online.
You can avoid falling for this scam by being careful with what you share online. Create a strong PIN for any password or login changes, particularly for your cell phone provider account, and use two-factor security when possible.
Common around: Across Canada.
While Canada is generally a safe and welcoming travel destination, like any other place, it's important for tourists to be aware of potential scams. To protect yourself from these scams:
To reach out to officials in case of any emergency in Canada, you can use the following contacts:
Canada is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but like any other place, there can still be tourist scams. It's important to stay informed and aware when traveling anywhere in the world.
While not common, taxi scams do happen occasionally. You might find taxi drivers overcharging, not going by the meter or taking longer routes than usual just to hike up the price. Some scammers also use fake taxi signs and stickers to fool customers. Before settling in a taxi, always confirm a fixed price or request to go by the meter.
While not common, taxi scams do happen occasionally. You might find taxi drivers overcharging, not going by the meter or taking longer routes than usual just to hike up the price. Some scammers also use fake taxi signs and stickers to fool customers. Before settling in a taxi, always confirm a fixed price or request to go by the meter.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center helps people who have been affected by frauds and scams in Canada.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center helps people who have been affected by frauds and scams in Canada.
Vancouver is a safe city to visit. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It has a low crime rate, but as a tourist, you will still have to watch out. Distraction thefts, for example, are a safety issue in Vancouver. Thieves typically target elderly people in residential neighbourhoods and steal their jewellery, money or other items.
Vancouver is a safe city to visit. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It has a low crime rate, but as a tourist, you will still have to watch out. Distraction thefts, for example, are a safety issue in Vancouver. Thieves typically target elderly people in residential neighbourhoods and steal their jewellery, money or other items.
Investment scams are one of the biggest scams plaguing the city of Ontario. Phishing scams are also very common. You must be aware to not open any malicious, suspicious links on your emails, SMS, etc. Investment scams are a little trickier to dodge as scammers create identical websites and entice people to invest on social media.
Investment scams are one of the biggest scams plaguing the city of Ontario. Phishing scams are also very common. You must be aware to not open any malicious, suspicious links on your emails, SMS, etc. Investment scams are a little trickier to dodge as scammers create identical websites and entice people to invest on social media.
Please try one more time!
Other Articles about Tourist Scams Across the World
Other International Travel Insurance Guides
Get Visa for Popular Countries from India
Currently there are no news to show.
Read More
Renew & Download Policy Document, Check Challan, Credit Score, PUC & more
Anytime, Anywhere. Only on Digit App!
4.8
Rated App51K+ Reviews
4.8
Rated App
51K+ Reviews
4.3
Rated App10K+ Reviews
4.3
Rated App
10K+ Reviews
Scan to Download
Author: Team Digit
Last updated: 21-03-2025
CIN: U66010PN2016PLC167410, IRDAI Reg. No. 158.
Go Digit General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Oben General Insurance Ltd.) - Registered Office Address - 1 to 6 floors, Ananta One (AR One), Pride Hotel Lane, Narveer Tanaji Wadi, City Survey No.1579, Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411005, Maharashtra | Corporate Office Address - Atlantis, 95, 4th B Cross Road, Koramangala Industrial Layout, 5th Block, Bengaluru-560095, Karnataka | Trade logo of Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. displayed above belongs to Go Digit lnfoworks Services Private Limited and is provided and used by Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. under license.
Explore exclusive features, file claims & access policy on Digit App!
You can also scan this QR code to download the App.