last update November 19, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Key Takeaways About 450 Area Code Scams
The 450 area code is legitimate for Quebec regions surrounding Montreal, but it's frequently spoofed by scammers.
Scammers use tactics like impersonating government officials (CRA, Justice Dept.) to demand money or personal information.
The "one-ring scam" is also common, designed to trick you into calling back a premium-rate number.
November 19, 2025 · 4 minutes read
Table of Contents
- Common 450 Scam Tactics
- Recent Reports and Trends
- How to Protect Yourself
- Should I Call Back or Text Back?
- Summary Table: 450 Scam Tactics
- Final Advice
Common 450 Scam Tactics
Government Impersonation: Callers falsely claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or the Department of Justice, creating a sense of urgency and demanding immediate payment for supposed tax debts or legal fines.
One-Ring Scam: Scammers call your phone and hang up after a single ring. They hope your curiosity will lead you to call back a number that is actually a premium-rate line, resulting in expensive charges on your phone bill.
Personal Information Phishing: Some scammers call asking for detailed personal information under the guise of offering a government subsidy or grant. This is a tactic to gather data for identity theft.
Bank Fraud and Tech Support: You might receive calls about suspicious activity on your bank account or claims that your computer has a virus. The goal is to get you to reveal banking details or grant them remote access to your computer.
Recent Reports and Trends
Reports indicate that scammers are spoofing 450 numbers to appear as if they are calling from a local Quebec number, making recipients more likely to answer.
There is a noticeable trend of scammers using bilingual scripts to target both French and English-speaking residents in the Greater Montreal area.
The use of automated robocalls is increasing, allowing scammers to target a vast number of households with minimal effort.
How to Protect Yourself
Never provide personal or financial information like your SIN, bank account details, or passwords to an unsolicited caller.
Do not call back unknown numbers, especially if they only ring once. Check the number online first if you are unsure.
Remember that the CRA and other government agencies do not demand immediate payment via e-transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Hang up if you feel pressured or suspicious. You can always verify the legitimacy of a request by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number from their website.
Report any scam calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help protect others.
Should I Call Back or Text Back?
Before responding to an unknown call or text, consider whether it's a legitimate contact. Check if the number matches any recent interactions or known contacts. If you're unsure, research the number or contact the organization directly through official channels.
Responding to scam calls or texts can lead to further fraudulent activities. By calling back or texting, you may confirm to scammers that your number is active, potentially leading to more targeted attacks. Additionally, calling back certain numbers can result in significant charges. especially if the number is a premium rate number.
Summary Table: 450 Scam Tactics
| Scam Type | Description | Risk/Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Government Impersonation | Fake officials from CRA/Justice demanding payments | Financial/identity theft |
| One-Ring Scam | Callback to a premium-rate number | Unexpected phone charges |
| Phishing for Info | Pretending to offer grants to steal personal data | Identity theft |
| Tech Support / Bank | False claims about computer or account issues | Remote access/credential theft |
Final Advice
The 450 area code is used for a large, legitimate region in Quebec, but this is exactly why scammers exploit it. Always be cautious and skeptical of unexpected calls. A legitimate organization will not pressure you into making immediate decisions. When in doubt, hang up and verify independently.
