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Vote Now!March is Fraud Awareness Month, a timely reminder that while digital banking is convenient, fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics. One scam we’re seeing with increasing frequency is Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) fraud.
Laurissa Dyck, Fraud Specialist at Cambrian, has some advice on what RDC fraud is and how to avoid falling victim to it.
Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) allows members to deposit a physical cheque by taking photos of the front and back using their mobile banking app, rather than visiting a branch or ATM.
RDC fraud occurs when scammers manipulate members into depositing counterfeit, altered, or duplicated cheques, or when they trick members into allowing access to their online banking so the scammer can deposit the cheque themselves. Once the cheque image is deposited, the scammer pressures the member to quickly send money out of their account - before the cheque is identified as fraudulent and returned.
“Electronic cheques are not a legitimate thing,” says Laurissa. “If someone emails or texts you an image of a cheque and tells you to deposit it, that’s a red flag right away.”
Even though funds may appear in your account shortly after deposit, that does not mean the cheque has cleared. When a counterfeit or altered cheque is later returned, the member is responsible for the full amount.
Fraudsters rely heavily on social engineering, creating urgency, trust, or excitement to get members to act quickly.
Current RDC-related scams include:
Employment scams remain one of the most common ways RDC fraud occurs. Members are offered remote or flexible work such as:
In these scams, the fraudster sends a counterfeit cheque and instructs the member to deposit it using mobile deposit. The member is then told to send part of the funds back - often via gift cards, e-transfer, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer - while keeping a portion as “payment.” When the cheque is returned as counterfeit, the member is left with the full loss.
In romance scams, fraudsters build long-term emotional trust. When members begin questioning requests for money, scammers may send fraudulent cheques as supposed ‘repayment’ or financial help. The cheque may appear to deposit successfully, reinforcing trust, but is later returned.
Members selling items online may receive a cheque for more than the agreed amount. The scammer asks for the excess funds to be returned, often citing shipping or courier costs. The cheque is later identified as counterfeit and returned.
In some cases, the same cheque is deposited more than once, either by different people or through different channels (RDC and branch). When duplicates are detected, all deposits may be reversed, leaving members responsible for withdrawn funds.
RDC fraud is effective because:
“If it worked, if it deposited, the scammer wants you to believe it must be legitimate,” says Laurissa. “That false sense of security is what they rely on.”
Scammers may be clever, but awareness is your strongest defence.
Protect yourself by remembering:
“Scammers want speed,” says Laurissa. “They want the money gone before the cheque is returned.”
If something feels off, pause and ask questions. Members can contact Cambrian’s support line at (204) 925‑2727 before completing a deposit or sending funds.
Fraud tactics evolve constantly but staying informed helps reduce risk. Cambrian encourages members to regularly review trusted resources such as the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre, which provides up‑to‑date information on active scams affecting Canadians.
You can also visit Cambrian’s Cybersecurity Centre for additional tips on protecting your accounts and personal information.
Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay protected.
We would be happy to discuss your unique situation with you.
Our goal is to make complex topics like this one, simple.
