Fraud Knocking: Why Savvy Seniors Are Locking Down on Doorstep Scams

TORONTO, ON – March 02, 2026

It’s a scenario that has become a modern trope: an unexpected knock at the door sends the occupants scrambling into silence, pretending no one is home. While popular culture often attributes this behaviour to younger, socially anxious generations, a new national survey reveals a surprising truth: older Canadians are leading the charge in screening unwanted visitors.

New research commissioned by HomeEquity Bank found that more than one-third (34%) of Canadians aged 55 and over will not answer their door to an unexpected caller. This rate is a staggering 70 per cent higher than that of adults aged 18-34, where only 20 per cent ignore the knock. This isn't a sign of paranoia, but of prudence. With an overwhelming 82 per cent of this demographic feeling apprehensive about unexpected callers, their caution is a direct and rational response to a growing threat that has found its way to their front steps.

"This new data challenges a popular narrative. It shows that aging Canadians have long been practicing a form of visitor screening that is now becoming mainstream," said Yvonne Ziomecki-Fisher, Chief Customer, Brand and Advice Officer at HomeEquity Bank. "They are prudent, not paranoid."

The Billion-Dollar Threat at the Door

This heightened caution is well-founded. The front door has become a key battleground in the fight against fraud. Data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) paints a grim picture, identifying service-related scams—those often initiated with a knock and a high-pressure sales pitch—as one of the top three fraud types targeting older Canadians. While individuals under 50 are victimized more frequently, it is seniors who suffer the greatest financial losses.

In 2024 alone, reported fraud losses in Canada approached an estimated $643 million, and seniors aged 60 and above accounted for over 40% of that staggering sum. Service scams specifically contributed nearly $20 million in reported losses. Experts at the CAFC warn that these figures represent only the tip of the iceberg, as an estimated 90-95% of fraud incidents go unreported due to shame, embarrassment, or uncertainty about where to turn for help.

Fraudsters are sophisticated, employing manipulative tactics to create a false sense of urgency or trust. They may impersonate utility workers, contractors offering a one-time deal, or even officials demanding immediate payment. For many older adults, this makes every unexpected knock a potential risk, turning their home from a sanctuary into a source of anxiety.

Bridging the Technology Gap

Despite their well-founded apprehension, the Ipsos survey uncovered a critical vulnerability: 55 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over use no security technology to help deter these front-door fraudsters. This creates a significant gap between awareness of the problem and the adoption of modern solutions.

Technology expert Marc Saltzman believes this is where the biggest opportunity for empowerment lies. "Aging Canadians have shown they are savvy and comfortable online; now it's about upgrading their toolkit," says Saltzman. He points to a new generation of smart home devices that can act as a digital gatekeeper, neutralizing the high-pressure tactics fraudsters rely on.

Saltzman recommends several key technologies:
* Video Doorbells: These devices allow homeowners to see, hear, and speak to visitors from a smartphone or smart display without ever opening the door. This effectively presses 'pause' on a high-pressure pitch, giving the resident time to think and verify claims.
* Outdoor Cameras: Motion-activated cameras with lights not only deter potential criminals by making them aware they are being recorded but also provide homeowners with an early warning that someone is approaching their property.
* Smart Locks: These allow for remote control over access to the home. They are particularly useful for those aging in place who have multiple caregivers or service providers, as access can be granted for specific times and revoked instantly, eliminating the risk of copied keys.

The smart home market in Canada is booming, projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2033, driven in part by a growing demand for security and independent living solutions for seniors. Companies like TELUS SmartHome Security and Vivint are increasingly offering packages tailored to this demographic, sometimes including medical alert features alongside traditional security.

From Prudence to Proactive Protection

While technology offers powerful tools, experts agree it must be paired with continued education and verification strategies. The survey notes that while nearly three in five (58%) older Canadians use verification tactics—like asking for ID, looking for a company vehicle, or calling a company's official phone number—this rate is actually lower than that of younger generations.

To address this, HomeEquity Bank has launched its 'Fraud at Your Front Door' campaign during Fraud Prevention Month. The initiative aims to provide resources and knowledge to help older Canadians move from a state of apprehension to one of empowered action. The goal, as Ziomecki-Fisher states, is to ensure seniors feel secure and in control, which is fundamental to their desire to age with dignity in their own homes.

"Feeling secure is fundamental," said Ziomecki-Fisher. "This Fraud Prevention Month, our 'Fraud at Your Front Door' campaign is about more than just security hardware; it's about ensuring older Canadians feel empowered and in control, providing a critical support that helps them live safely and confidently in their forever home."

This effort joins a growing chorus of initiatives from organizations like the Canadian Bankers Association, which offers financial literacy seminars, and advocacy groups like CARP, which demand stronger enforcement against those who perpetrate elder fraud. The collective message is clear: protecting older Canadians requires a multi-pronged approach of vigilance, education, and the strategic adoption of technology to turn the tide against doorstep scammers.