Back to Blog
2 Mar

March is Fraud Awareness Month

General

Posted by: Greta Berg

March Musings: Maple Syrup, Modern Scams, and Trade Turbulence 🍁

March has officially arrived, and here in Canada that means peak maple syrup season. As sap begins to flow from tapped trees into sugar shacks across Quebec—home to about 90% of Canada’s maple syrup production—we’re reminded that this “liquid gold” is more than just delicious.

Maple syrup contains zinc, magnesium, riboflavin (B2), calcium, potassium, and even antioxidants. It’s unrefined, unprocessed, and has a lower glycemic index than many refined sugars. So whether you’re heading out to a traditional sugar shack or simply picking up a bottle at the grocery store, you’re indulging in a sweet—and surprisingly wholesome—piece of Canadian heritage.

Fraud Awareness Month: What You Need to Know in Today’s Digital World

March is also Fraud Awareness Month, a timely reminder that scams are everywhere—lurking in emails, phone calls, text messages, social media ads, and even job postings. And unfortunately, scams are only getting more sophisticated.

Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to bring even more convincing, tech-enabled fraud attempts. Understanding how scams work—and why they succeed—is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.

Why Do Scams Work? The 4 E’s

Over time, I’ve noticed that most successful scams rely on a combination of four factors:

1. Ego

Some people believe they’re too smart to be scammed. That overconfidence lowers their guard and increases risk.

2. Evolution

Scams have evolved dramatically. This isn’t about obvious “Nigerian Prince” emails anymore. New technology fuels constant innovation, making scams harder to spot.

3. Education

If you’re not aware of current scam tactics, you’re already a step behind. Fraudsters rely on victims not recognizing the latest tricks.

4. Exposure

We live online—sharing emails for discount codes, clicking ads, commenting on social media. All of this exposure creates opportunities for scammers.

The Techniques Scammers Rely On

Emotional Manipulation

Scammers create urgency, fear, or panic to push quick decisions. Others lean on sympathy, kindness, or generosity to exploit your good nature.

Cognitive Bias

They take advantage of how our brains naturally work, including:

  • Optimism Bias: Assuming bad things won’t happen to you

  • Truth Bias: Believing people are generally honest

  • Authority Bias: Trusting figures like banks, police, or government agencies

Influence and Trust-Building

Scammers flatter you, claim shared interests, or present themselves as experts. They often start small, build rapport, and slowly escalate their demands.

How Did Scammers Get So Good?

Because they practice. A lot.

Scammers aren’t afraid to fail, they don’t take “no” easily, and they fully embrace technology. Today’s most powerful scam tools include:

  • AI: Used to generate realistic websites, ads, emails, texts, and fake photos

  • The Dark Web: A marketplace for stolen data, fake identities, malware, and hacking services

  • Deepfakes: Convincing fake videos and voice clones of real people

  • Spoofing Software: Tools that mimic legitimate phone numbers, emails, and websites

Red Flags to Watch For đŸš©

Scammers don’t usually ask directly for your SIN or bank details anymore. Instead, watch for these warning signs:

  • Urgent demands or limited-time offers

  • Threats of arrest, fines, or account closures

  • Requests for unusual payments (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers)

  • Instructions to keep the situation secret

  • Poor quality writing, strange links, or obvious AI-generated content

  • “Too good to be true” offers that still require upfront payment

How to Avoid Falling for a Scam

The first step is simple: assume scams exist everywhere.

Stay informed about new schemes and approach almost everything online with skepticism. Helpful protective steps include:

  • Call-blocking and anti-scam software

  • Antivirus programs

  • Multi-factor authentication on accounts

If something feels off:

  • Pause before responding

  • Talk it through with a trusted friend or family member

  • Say no and disconnect

  • Contact organizations directly using verified phone numbers or websites

  • Monitor your accounts if you think you’ve shared too much information

Sometimes, just hearing the situation out loud is enough to reveal how suspicious it sounds.

Economic Insights: Trade Uncertainty and Tariffs

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on the tariff lawsuit, invalidating a large portion of the tariffs implemented in 2025. While this initially sounds like good news, the reality is more complex.

Many of the affected tariffs are likely to be reinstated through other legal mechanisms—and a temporary blanket 10% tariff has already been introduced. Additional trade investigations are underway, potentially paving the way for more permanent import taxes.

In the short term, this creates greater uncertainty, weighing on both consumer and business confidence. As a result, major spending decisions—whether for housing or business investment—are more likely to be delayed.

While Canada may ultimately benefit from parts of this ruling, the near-term impact is increased unpredictability in an already fragile economic environment.