Words (Core Vocabulary)
- phishing / smishing (SMS) / vishing (voice)
- spoofing / impersonation / social engineering
- malware / ransomware / trojan / attachment
- antivirus / updates / firewall
- VPN / encryption / secure Wi-Fi
- password manager / breach / credential stuffing
- privacy settings / tracking / ad preferences
- scam / fraud alert / chargeback / freeze
- QR code scam / fake “missed delivery”
- data request / delete account / export data
Phrases (Check → protect → report)
Verify first
- I wasn’t expecting this invoice/login alert—can you verify the sender?
- I’ll go directly to the official website/app—not using the link in the message.
Protect
- Please enable 2FA and update my passwords in the manager.
- Turn off public profile and limit who can message me.
- Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi or use a VPN on public networks.
Report & recover
- I’d like to report a phishing email/text—screenshots attached.
- Freeze my card—there’s a suspicious charge; open a case.
- Please delete my account and confirm data removal.
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Email: Subject: Possible phishing—sender domain looks wrong; please verify.
- Text: “Delivery attempt failed—click link” → Do not click; check tracking in the official app.
- Bank: Fraud alert on card—block the card, issue a new one, and start a dispute.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Prevention
- use a password manager
- enable two-factor
- install updates/antivirus
- avoid unknown links/attachments
Privacy
- review privacy settings
- limit profile visibility
- opt out of tracking
- delete/export your data
Response
- report phishing
- freeze a card/account
- file a chargeback/dispute
- change compromised passwords
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Report scams to your bank/platform and your local anti-fraud authority (e.g., Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre) with timestamps and screenshots.
- Banks typically replace cards and investigate; keep case numbers.
- Public library/community centres can help with safe browsing and device checks.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Verify: “Was this message sent by you? I’ll log in directly rather than click the link.”
- Freeze: “Freeze my card and open a fraud case—two charges aren’t mine.”
- Delete: “Please delete my account and confirm in writing when data removal is complete.”