The urgent need for protection against phone and email scams in Canada
Canadians are facing a crisis that’s far more severe than official statistics reveal. While reported losses to online and phone scams reached over $530 million in 2022, experts estimate that the actual figure could be up to ten times higher. Due to underreporting—where as many as 80–90% of scam incidents go unreported—the true cost to Canadians may soar into the billions.
“When you consider that only a fraction of scams are reported, the real impact on Canadians is staggering,” says Arto Isokoski, a Finnish tech-savvy and the founder and executive chairman of WhatSpam Company. “We’re talking about losses that could exceed $5 billion annually.”
In response to this alarming trend, the new app WhatSpam has launched on Google Play and the Apple Store, aiming to protect Canadians by blocking spam and scam calls, messages, and emails before they reach potential victims.
Privacy first
In an era of growing concern over data privacy, WhatSpam ensures that all personal data remains stored locally on the user’s device. The app does not transfer phone data to external servers and doesn’t require users to change their default call or SMS apps, allowing for seamless integration without compromising privacy.
Proven success abroad
WhatSpam arrives in Canada following two years of rigorous testing and success in Finland, where it was originally known as Kilpi, “Shield.” The app’s effectiveness overseas has laid a strong foundation for its introduction to the Canadian market, where the need for reliable spam and scam protection is more critical than ever.
A collective effort against fraud
As scams become more sophisticated and losses—both reported and unreported—continue to mount, tools like WhatSpam offer a tangible means of defence. While technology alone cannot eliminate fraud, empowering individuals with advanced protective measures is a significant step toward mitigating the impact of these crimes.
Canadians interested in strengthening their defences against scams can find more information at WhatSpam’s official website and download the app directly from Google Play or the Apple Store.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241029959236/en/