Fraudsters are shifting tactics once again with a new wave of schemes targeting Ontario residents through email, text messages and door-to-door visits.

Here are three scams circulating in Ontario this month:

Gmail “replay attack” scam

A phishing email is circulating that falsely claims to be from Google, warning Gmail users that their account will be deactivated unless they verify their information.

The message includes branding to resemble official Google communication and directs users to a fake login page. Victims who enter their information may unknowingly hand over their passwords and give scammers access to personal data.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says phishing emails like these are designed to steal credentials and compromise linked accounts, including financial services and cloud storage.

What you should do:

• Do not click on suspicious links
• Never enter login details outside of Google’s official sign-in page
• Use Gmail’s “Report phishing” function to flag suspicious messages
• Consider enabling two-step verification for added security

Driveway paving scam

Ontario Provincial Police are warning about driveway paving scams that resurface each year as warmer weather approaches and in some cases, are tied to human trafficking.

Typically, a scammer offers a low-cost paving job and pressures homeowners into making large upfront payments. Residents are often left with incomplete or poor-quality work.

Police say some of these operations involve the exploitation of vulnerable workers, including migrant labourers who may be unpaid and living in unsafe conditions. Many are afraid to speak up due to fear of retaliation or immigration-related threats.

What you should do:

• Be cautious of door-to-door offers or contractors claiming to have “leftover materials”
• Never agree to cash-only or “today only” deals
• Always request a written contract with an upfront quote
• Report suspected fraud or potential labour exploitation to police or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122

Highway 407 toll scam

Fraudulent text messages are being sent to Ontario residents claiming they owe money to 407 ETR.

The messages often include a link to a fake payment page that mimics the real 407 website. In some cases, the texts are delivered as group messages, exposing other recipients’ phone numbers — another red flag that points to a coordinated scam campaign.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, scammers may use these tactics to gain access to bank accounts, credit cards or Social Insurance Numbers. The real 407 ETR has previously stated that legitimate reminders will include a secure link to their official site.

What you should do:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages
• Verify toll charges through your 407 ETR account or app
• Visit 407etr.com/contactus or call customer service directly
• Report scam texts to your mobile provider

In addition to these scams, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that cyber-enabled fraud accounted for 75 per cent of financial losses in 2024.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam should contact their local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

—With files from Karen Longwell