AI-fuelled scams tied to tariffs erode Canadians' trust

Interac reports a rise in scams that latch onto live news topics. A survey found that 58% of Canadians have encountered a tariff-related fraud attempt in the past six months.

The data points to a pattern of scam messages and calls referencing package delays, customs charges, import fees, or people impersonating customs officials. Another 58% said scammers are exploiting uncertainty over Canada-U.S. trade rules.

The findings come during Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and add detail to a broader shift in consumer fraud, as criminals quickly change themes with the headlines. Many of the newer approaches draw on familiar narratives such as tariffs and inflation, which can make messages seem plausible.

AI and realism

Many Canadians say artificial intelligence is increasing both the volume and credibility of fraud. The survey found that 79% believe AI helps fraudsters create highly convincing scams faster than before.

The survey also suggests this perceived jump in quality is changing how people judge incoming communications. Longstanding signals used to spot suspicious messages appear less useful as scam content becomes cleaner and more consistent.

Two-thirds of respondents, 66%, said traditional red flags such as spelling mistakes or poor formatting are no longer dependable. Scam campaigns are increasingly borrowing design elements and language that resemble legitimate corporate notifications.

Trust is also eroding in routine communications. More than half of those surveyed, 53%, said they have doubted legitimate messages from trusted organisations-including telecommunications providers and financial institutions-because scam attempts have become so convincing.

Mark Hines, Interac's Head of Product, Fraud, linked the trend to faster-moving fraud operations that follow the news cycle.

"Our latest Interac survey reflects what we're seeing on the front lines - fraudsters are moving faster and tracking the news cycle to make phishing, impersonation and investment scams seem legitimate," Hines said.

Cost pressures

Alongside tariff-related scams, the survey identified fraud attempts tied to cost-of-living pressures. A quarter of respondents, 24%, said they noticed an increase over the same six-month period in scams referencing rising household costs.

Examples cited in the survey summary included overdue bill notices, utility shutoff threats, and offers of government assistance. These approaches mirror language used in legitimate debt collection, billing, and public service announcements, which can complicate quick decisions on a mobile device.

The findings also suggest a shift in what people buy and where they buy it. Nearly half of respondents, 48%, said they are now more careful about deals, and 47% said they are avoiding unfamiliar retailers.

Cross-border purchases also appear affected. Nearly a quarter, 23%, said they have reduced cross-border shopping due to fraud concerns.

"Made in Canada" effect

The research indicates a shift toward domestic online choices as a proxy for safety and familiarity. One in three Canadians surveyed, 33%, said they prioritise Canadian websites over international ones.

That preference sits alongside wider scepticism about digital interactions and suggests people are using origin and brand recognition as a screening tool. It also reflects how difficult it can be to verify the authenticity of sellers, delivery messages, and payment prompts when scams mimic established retail and logistics brands.

The survey also highlights a gap between heightened awareness and confidence in personal defences. Only 31% of respondents said their current fraud prevention practices are sufficient.

The results point to an emotional cost for those who feel underprepared. If compromised, nearly two-thirds of Canadians, 63%, said they would regret not doing more to protect themselves.

Hines said Interac views the issue as broader than individual choices and tied it to action across financial services and payments.

"As those scams become harder to spot, many of the warning signs Canadians once relied on are less clear, eroding trust in everyday digital interactions," Hines said.

Interac says it is working with financial institution partners on fraud-prevention measures and drawing on a system-wide view of fraud patterns across account-based payments.

For the research, Interac commissioned Burson, which surveyed 1,500 adults in Canada through Leger's web panel. The results were weighted by age, gender, and region to match the 2021 Census population distribution, with an associated margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for a comparable random sample.