Scammers use email, text messages, phone calls, social media, messaging apps, online marketplaces, and fake websites to try to steal money or personal information. They often pretend to represent trusted companies, buyers, sellers, or payment services to make their requests seem legitimate.
Scam tactics change frequently. Understanding common warning signs can help protect your money and your identity.
Common scam tactics
Be cautious if a message, request, or interaction includes any of the following:
Requests to send money or pay a fee to receive funds, including verification, processing, release, or unlocking fees
Requests installing remote access software or using screen sharing on a video call
Requests for sensitive information, including passwords, one-time codes, full card numbers, Social Insurance Numbers, or government ID
Urgent or pressure-based messages designed to rush you into acting, often warning of consequences or claiming an offer will expire
Messages coming from email addresses, phone numbers, usernames, or links that do not match the organization they claim to be from
Links that appear legitimate but lead to fake or spoofed websites
Offers that seem too good to be true, such as guaranteed income, unusually high payouts, or unrealistic payment arrangements
Requests to pay package shipping or release fees via text message. If a fee is required, do not follow links sent by text. Instead, go directly to the tracking number provided in the merchant’s original confirmation email and verify the status there
Scammers often employ multiple tactics simultaneously.
How to identify phishing emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites
Phishing attempts are messages or websites designed to look real so you will click a link, open an attachment, or share personal information.
Be cautious if an email, text message, phone call, or website includes any of the following:
The sender’s contact details or website do not match the organization they claim to represent
The message creates urgency or pressure and discourages you from verifying the request
You are asked to confirm personal or financial information
You are instructed to click a link or open an attachment to resolve an issue or receive a payment
The website address contains misspellings, extra characters, or unfamiliar domains
The message offers something that sounds too good to be true
Scammers may use logos, copied language, or screenshots to appear legitimate.
What KOHO will never ask you to do
KOHO support will never ask you to share a one-time verification code or security code
KOHO support will never ask for your full card number, card PIN, or CVV
KOHO will never ask you to send money, pay fees, or transfer funds to access your account or receive money
KOHO will never ask you to share your login credentials, such as your password
What to do if you are unsure a message is from KOHO
If you are unsure whether a message, call, or email is genuinely from KOHO:
Do not reply to the message or click on any links
Do not share personal or financial information
Contact KOHO directly by reaching out to us through our in-app or web support
You can reach KOHO support by following the steps here: https://www.koho.ca/contact/
What to do if you suspect a scam
1. Stop engaging immediately
Do not reply, click links, open attachments, send money, or share additional information.
2. Secure your KOHO account
Change your password, review recent activity, and enable two-step verification (2SV).
3. Report it to KOHO
Email [email protected] with screenshots or details of what occurred, even if no money was lost.
4. Report the scam to the authorities
If you lost money or believe a crime occurred, file a report with your local police service.
You can also report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here.
Stay vigilant
Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and confusion to push quick decisions. Taking time to verify who you are dealing with can help prevent financial loss.
If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and contact KOHO before sending money or sharing sensitive information.