SCAM DOWN Survey & Prevention Framework
Frontrunner Sponsorship & Campus Pilot Survey Initiative 2026 — a grassroots public safety initiative across McMaster University and Mohawk College, delivered with anchor sponsors like Desjardins Group under our Iron Wall Security System.
A hard look at what we're up against
For a survey to be honest, we have to name the threats. Here's what the SDP campus initiative tracks, and why each category matters.
19
Scam categories tracked
From phishing to sextortion, the survey covers threats we know students face.
100%
Anonymous by design
Only a first name is needed. Patterns matter more than identities.
$21K
Scholarship prizes pooled
Recognizing students who help us map fraud in real campus life.
Scam Campus Survey Checklist
1. Phishing & Fake Bank Alerts — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 2. Scholarship & Tuition Fraud — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 3. Employment & Remote Job Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 4. Social Media Impersonation — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 5. Crypto & Investment Traps — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 6. Marketplace & E-commerce Fraud — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 7. Tech Support & Remote Access — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 8. Grandparent & Emergency Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 9. Romancing & Relationship Phishing — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 10. Fake Delivery & Shipping Notices — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 11. Minor Exploitation & Grooming — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 12. Identity Theft & Credential Stuffing — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 13. Lottery & Sweepstakes Fraud — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 14. Business Partnership Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 15. Property Investment Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 16. Vacation & Travel Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 17. Millions in Inheritance / Reserves — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 18. Fake Gaming Sites & Esports Fraud — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 19. Event & Concert Ticket Scams — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported 20. Other (please specify): ____________________ — [ ] Targeted [ ] Victim [ ] Reported If NOT reported, check reason(s): [ ] Shame / embarrassment [ ] Don't want family to know [ ] Threatened / fear [ ] Can't trust anyone [ ] Just could not be bothered [ ] Will take too long
Rule of Thumb & Prevention Guide
DON'T PANIC • STOP • THINK • DON'T PAY • SAVE EVIDENCE • TALK TO SOMEONE • REPORT IMMEDIATELY.
Look for urgency, pressure to pay fast, and requests for unusual payment methods. Verified organizations don't demand gift cards, crypto, or immediate wire transfers. When in doubt, slow down and verify the request through an official channel.
17 free resources to fight back
The Little Black Book of Scams lists 17 verified resources, from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to local police. Keep it close. Report fast, and you cut a scam short.
Scholarship & prize structure
These prizes are open only for a limited period of time. Exact start and end dates will be disclosed. Every completed survey enters the draw; top five submissions receive their award.
Bring the 19-Scam survey to your campus or community
Frontrunner sponsorship puts your brand in front of students and families across Hamilton. Logo placement, keynote recognition, and PR coverage are included. Please share only your first name — never your full name.
The Studio
336 John St. S., Hamilton, ON L8N 2E2
Enquiries
info@scamdownconsulting.org
Phone
289-439-9651