Canadians need to adopt a more cautious approach to their online activities and significantly reduce what they share on social media platforms to protect themselves from sophisticated scams, according to a leading technology analyst.
The Growing Threat of Digital Scams
In an exclusive interview with CTV's Patricia Boal, tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy outlined practical strategies for identifying fraudulent schemes before they cause financial or personal damage. The discussion, which took place on November 22, 2025, emphasized that scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, making vigilance more critical than ever.
Levy stressed that the first line of defense begins with mindset. "Remain untrusting" should be the default position when interacting with unsolicited messages or too-good-to-be-true offers online, he advised. This skeptical approach can help Canadians avoid falling victim to the numerous scams circulating across email, social media, and messaging platforms.
Practical Protection Strategies
The technology expert highlighted several key areas where Canadians can improve their digital safety. Most importantly, he recommended sharing significantly less personal information on social media platforms. Oversharing creates a goldmine of data that scammers can use to craft convincing personalized attacks.
Levy explained that fraudsters often mine social media profiles to gather details about victims' lives, relationships, interests, and routines. This information enables them to create highly targeted phishing attempts that appear legitimate because they reference real aspects of the target's life.
Recognizing Red Flags
Beyond reducing digital footprints, Levy outlined specific warning signs that should trigger immediate suspicion. These include unsolicited requests for personal information, urgent demands for payment, and communications that create artificial time pressure to prevent careful consideration.
He also emphasized the importance of verifying unusual requests through alternative communication channels. If a family member or organization appears to be making an unexpected request for money or information, contacting them through a known, trusted method can quickly reveal whether the communication is legitimate.
The timing of this warning is particularly relevant as Canadians approach the holiday season, when online shopping and digital communications typically increase. Levy's advice serves as a crucial reminder that cybersecurity awareness is an ongoing responsibility in our increasingly connected world.
