[News](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research?field_article_type=24) # Alert: Fraudulent text message impersonating Payments Canada January 2, 2024 ### Details: - **Delivery:** Text message - **Request:** You receive a text message from an unknown number with a picture of the Payments Canada logo and a notice that funds are being returned to you. The perpetrator is asking you to click a link for more details. ![Screen capture of a fraudulent text message. The sender has used the Payments Canada logo followed by the message: Action required. A amount of $148.96 has been returned to you from an overpaid notice. For more details visit, (link blurred out)](/sites/default/files/2024-01/FraudAlert_text_sample_0.png) ### What you should know: Payments Canada will never reach out to the general public to elicit or reimburse any sort of payment. This is a scam. Scams often appear to be sent from organizations or personal contacts, typically asking for financial or personal information. ### What you should do: - Never open attachments or click on links from suspicious text messages. - If the text message appears to be suspicious — even if it comes from a person or organization you know — contact them to verify if it’s legitimate. - Never provide personal information in a text message. - Please notify us by forwarding a screenshot of the text message to . - Delete the text message. - If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud or notice unauthorized activity on your bank account, please contact your financial institution directly. For more information on how to protect yourself from phishing text messages, please visit [getcybersafe.gc.ca](https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en). [Return to newsroom](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research) ## Keep reading [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News October 1, 2026 ### Payments Canada welcomes six new members as expanded membership... Twenty-two new members have joined since 2025 regulatory changes — a necessary step for those seeking access to critical national payment infrastructure, including the forthcoming Real-Time Rail... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News September 25, 2026 ### Payments Canada names Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President... Payments Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Business Transformation. Stephan will lead strategic vendor partnerships... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News July 27, 2026 ### ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)... ](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)