Scam in CanadaOn the street
Persistent requests for money in Canada
How it works
Some people asking for money continue after a refusal or act aggressively. In Calgary, people may approach drivers stopped at red lights with a cap or an outstretched hand. In Montreal, some people asking for money along Sainte-Catherine are more aggressive. Asking for money is not itself proof of a scam.
Warning signs
- Someone continues asking after you say no.
- The request becomes aggressive.
- Someone approaches your stopped car holding out a cap or hand.
How to avoid it
- Say 'No' clearly if you do not want to give money.
- Keep walking if the person persists.
- Avoid arguing or taking out your wallet under pressure.
- Keep your attention on traffic when driving.
If it happens to you
Leave the interaction and move to a busy, staffed place. Ask for help if you feel threatened.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you. Call 911 if there is immediate danger or someone is injured.
- Check what is missing or what you were charged. Freeze stolen payment cards and tell your card issuer about any payment you did not authorize.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to local police. Ask for a report number and keep a copy if one is available.
- Contact the relevant business, rental company or travel insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate.
- If your phone was stolen, use another device to lock it remotely and secure your important accounts. Do not follow its location to confront anyone.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/torontoToronto scams?A first-time visitor says a woman presented a rose as a gift before demanding C$5 and reacting angrily when payment was refused.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/askTODid I get scammed?A discussion of giving money to a stranger includes a report of a woman escalating a cash request by suggesting a trip to an ATM.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the persistent requests for money scam in Canada?
Some people asking for money continue after a refusal or act aggressively. In Calgary, people may approach drivers stopped at red lights with a cap or an outstretched hand. In Montreal, some people asking for money along Sainte-Catherine are more aggressive. Asking for money is not itself proof of a scam.
How can I spot it early?
Someone continues asking after you say no. The request becomes aggressive. Someone approaches your stopped car holding out a cap or hand.
How do I avoid persistent requests for money in Canada?
Say 'No' clearly if you do not want to give money. Keep walking if the person persists. Avoid arguing or taking out your wallet under pressure. Keep your attention on traffic when driving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Leave the interaction and move to a busy, staffed place. Ask for help if you feel threatened.
Where in Canada does this happen?
Calgary's downtown core and signalized intersections; Montreal's Sainte-Catherine downtown corridor It has been reported in Calgary, Montreal.
How common is this scam in Canada?
Common. Canada is generally safe for visitors, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main concerns covered here are misleading souvenir claims, high souvenir prices, persistent requests for money, pickpocketing, car theft and occasional group robberies.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger, a robbery in progress, serious injury or another emergency. Local police: report theft, robbery or fraud once you are safe. Provide the location, time, a description of what happened and any evidence. Ask for a report number. Calgary Police Service: for a non-emergency police report or enquiry in Calgary, call 403-266-1234. SPVM — Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal: approach an officer for help or safety concerns in Montreal. Call 911 in an emergency. Transit staff: in Ottawa, use a station emergency call box for urgent help. On Montreal's Metro, use the emergency intercom in a car or an emergency phone booth on a platform. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze missing cards and report payments you did not authorize. Shop or service provider: show your receipt and explain any misleading claim or incorrect charge. Ask for a correction or refund and keep the written reply. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details for replacement-document guidance. Travel insurer or rental company: report covered losses promptly and keep receipts and police-report details. Contact the rental company if a rental car is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Canada?
Police, fire and ambulance emergencies: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck