Open ProvincesScams and fraud: how to report them in Canada
Who to call (police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, banks, credit bureaus), common scams and how to spot impersonation.
If you may have been scammed
- Stop contact and do not send more money. Keep messages, receipts and account details.
- Report to your local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (online reporting system or 1-888-495-8501). Report even if you were not a victim: reports help investigators.
- For identity theft, also contact your bank and credit card company and the two national credit bureaus to place a fraud alert.
- Deceptive marketing can also be reported to the Competition Bureau.
Common scams
- Bank investigator or business impersonation: a caller says your account is compromised or there are unauthorized charges.
- CRA scams: you are told you owe tax or will be arrested unless you pay now, by gift card, Bitcoin or wire.
- Emergency or grandparent scams: someone claims to be a relative who needs money immediately.
- Recovery fraud: people pose as the CAFC, police or government and offer to recover lost money for a fee.
- Online buying and selling: an offer to pay above your asking price to cover shipping.
Fraudsters also impersonate the CAFC and police: confirm any contact using numbers from official sources, not the number the caller gives you.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ↗ · How to report fraud and scams in Canada ↗
Sources and limits
Read on November 14, 2026. Phone number from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre; verify before calling anyone who contacted you first.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-11-14.