5 scams making the rounds in Ontario in March 2025 [Video]

Scammers continue to evolve their tactics in targeting various groups of people that include homeowners, job seekers, drivers and many more, Canadian fraud prevention officials say.

Fraudulent flood prevention offers, deceptive utility bills and fake Highway 407 toll payment notices are among the latest illegal schemes circulating in Ontario, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and according to the national anti-fraud centre — an agency that tracks and monitors fraud across the country — “smishing” has become one of the most common tactics, alongside fraudulent phone calls. This text-based variation of phishing involves scammers sending fake messages that impersonate trusted organizations in an attempt to steal personal or financial information.

Here are five scams circulating this month:

RELATED: 4 scams that hit Ontario in February 2025

Basement flood prevention scam

Scammers are targeting residents, specifically in Mississauga, by posing as city officials and offering phony rebates for basement flood prevention devices.

Fraudsters cold-call homeowners, claiming they must install sump pumps or other flood prevention measures to …