A new Interac-commissioned survey suggests fraudsters are increasingly using breaking news and current events to make scams appear more believable. The report found many Canadians have recently encountered tariff-related fraud attempts tied to trade uncertainty between Canada and the United States.

A new survey commissioned by Interac suggests fraudsters are increasingly tailoring their schemes to current events in order to make scam attempts appear more urgent and convincing.

According to the report, more than half of Canadians surveyed said they believe scammers are actively exploiting the ongoing trade uncertainty between Canada and the United States. The findings point to a growing trend in which fraud attempts are framed around news-driven concerns that are already top of mind for the public.

The survey found that 58 per cent of respondents said they had experienced a tariff-related scam attempt within the past six months. These included false messages about delayed or withheld packages, fake customs or import fee demands, and impersonation scams linked to customs issues.

Interac said traditional warning signs that once helped Canadians recognize scams are becoming less dependable as fraud tactics evolve. The organization says fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated by reacting quickly to news developments and using artificial intelligence tools to make messages appear more credible.

The findings also suggest many Canadians are adjusting their behaviour in response. Nearly half of respondents said they are more cautious about deals and avoid unfamiliar retailers, while nearly one quarter said they have reduced cross-border purchases.

Interac’s head of product, fraud, Mark Hines, said the research highlights the emotional strain that can come with navigating fraud attempts that are increasingly shaped by current events. The report underscores how quickly scammers are adapting their tactics and how easily major headlines can be turned into tools for deception.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.