Interac Money Request Scams: Know the Difference Before You Click
Kijiji has recently seen an increase in scams involving Interac Money Requests. These scams often target sellers by making a request appear similar to a payment notification.
Before accepting any Interac notification, it’s important to understand the difference between an Interac e-Transfer payment and an Interac Money Request.
What Is an Interac Money Request?
An Interac Money Request is a request asking you to send money to another person.
It is not a payment and does not mean you have received funds.
If you receive a Money Request and select Accept Request, you are authorizing a transfer of money from your bank account to the person who sent the request.
How This Scam Works
A fraudulent buyer may contact you about an item you’re selling and claim they have sent payment.
Instead of sending an Interac e-Transfer payment, they send an Interac Money Request.
The request may look legitimate because it comes through Interac, but the purpose is very different:
- An Interac e-Transfer payment sends money to you.
- An Interac Money Request asks you to send money to someone else.
If you accept the request, the money will be sent from your account to the scammer.
How to Protect Yourself
Before accepting any Interac notification:
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Read the message carefully.
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Confirm whether it says Payment or Money Request.
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Verify the transaction details directly through your online banking.
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Be cautious if a buyer pressures you to act quickly.
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Never send money to receive payment for an item you are selling.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Request
If you receive an unexpected or suspicious Interac Money Request:
- Do not click Accept Request.
- Stop communicating with the buyer if you suspect fraud.
- Report the incident to your financial institution.
- Report the user and any suspicious messages through Kijiji.
- Contact your local police if you have experienced a financial loss.
Important Reminder
A legitimate buyer should be sending payment to you—not requesting money from you.
If you’re ever unsure whether an Interac notification is a payment or a request for funds, take a moment to review it carefully before taking any action. A few extra seconds can help prevent financial loss.
