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New Year, Same Digital Risks: Lessons from Holiday Cybercrime

Digital crime is fueling a growing sense of anxiety among Canadians.
Digital crime is fueling a growing sense of anxiety among Canadians.

~by Susanne Fox, NOBLE technology/NOBLE Alliance For Digital Wellness & Tech For Good


Over the holidays, my brother discovered thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges on his credit card, likely from compromised data- either through online breaches or skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals. Around the same time, a friend’s senior parent fell for a fake consumer website, losing both money and confidence online in just moments. I heard dozens of stories like these over the holidays, and the truth is clear: cybercrime doesn’t take a holiday.

Stories like these are so common that they are no longer considered news. From identity theft, online fraud, and skimming scams, to fake websites, phishing emails, and impersonation calls, everyday Canadians are feeling more anxious about routine online interactions - checking email, shopping, paying bills, or even tapping a card at the store.

A recent RBC‑Ipsos poll found that about 79% of Canadians worry about unauthorized access to their online accounts or personal information, 77% are concerned about identity theft, and 73% are worried about being the victim of an online scam or fraud. 

If this is so common, why aren’t we hearing more about it in the news? Or from our governments, agencies, banks, and tech companies - the very institutions tasked with protecting us? (Sidebar: Don’t get this former journalist started about the erosion of journalism, public trust, and vetted sources.)

The threats are personal, persistent… and growing. According to Statistics Canada, police-reported cybercrime incidents have more than doubled since 2018, with fraud and extortion accounting for over 60% of all cases.


  • In the first half of 2025, police recorded 40,437 incidents, and data breaches compromised seven Canadian user accounts every minute. (Stats Can)

  • Canadians reported $638 million lost to fraud in 2024, with total reported losses since 2021 exceeding $2 billion.

  • Because only 5 to 10% of incidents are reported, the real impact is likely much higher. (RCMP)


Governments, banks, and cybersecurity agencies are constantly investing in detection, reporting systems, and public education. But criminals are moving faster, using automation and AI to scale attacks. The result? Many of us feel tired, overwhelmed, and unsure if the systems protecting us are keeping pace.

The reality is, vigilance largely falls on the individual. Awareness is our best defence. Small, consistent steps can significantly reduce risk. And we need to be engaging our youth and seniors in these conversations…


How to Spot Skimming Scams:

  • Look for tampered or loose card slots on ATMs and payment terminals.

  • Watch for extra devices or cameras near PIN pads, and shield the pad when entering your code.

  • Be cautious of rushed clerks or anyone asking for your PIN.

  • Regularly review bank statements for suspicious charges.


Protecting Yourself:

  • Use secure contactless or chip-enabled cards to reduce skimming risk.

  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all banking and email accounts.

  • Keep software and banking apps updated.

  • Report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security at cyber.gc.ca.


At NOBLE technology, we are committed to helping Canadians reclaim trust in their digital lives. Through the Noble Alliance for Digital Wellness and Tech for Good, we are working to partner with more organizations, communities, and individuals to:


  • Create safer, more transparent digital experiences

  • Reduce exposure to cybercrime

  • Promote technology that works for people, not against them


For more tips on spotting and preventing ATM and card skimming scams, see the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s guide: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Other credible Canadian sources include:



These sites are government-backed, regularly updated, and specifically targeted to Canadian audiences.


About the Author:  

Susanne Fox is the CMO of NOBLE technology, a Canadian tech-for-good company dedicated to keeping the digitally vulnerable safe and restoring trust in everyday technology. Through NOBLE’s advocacy, education initiatives, and the development of BE.connect, Canada’s first safe smartphone designed to be kid-safe and senior-friendly, she works to reduce cyber risk and make technology more human-centred and secure.


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