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The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre collects information on fraud and identity theft. We provide information on past and current scams affecting Canadians. If you think you're a victim of fraud, report it!
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Note. These lists are intended as navigational aides, and...
- About The CAFC
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is a national police...
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The CAFC does not accept reports of fraud via e-mail. To...
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Phishing is an attack where a scammer calls you, texts or emails you, or uses social media to trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware, or sharing sensitive information. Phishing attempts are often generic mass messages, but the message appears to be legitimate and from a trusted source (e.g. from a bank, courier company).
No, you don't need to report suspicious emails or text messages to Canada Post. If you think you've been the victim of fraud, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501. You can also forward any spam text messages to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads).
Phishing scam impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to offer fake refunds to Canadians. Scammers will use a fake CRA email address or phone number to offer a refund. The message says the CRA owes you a refund and will ask you to click on a link to provide:
- Identity Theft
- Identity Fraud
- Debit and Credit Card Fraud
- Phishing
- Advance Fee Fraud
- Prize Pitch
- Cash Transfer
- Telemarketing Fraud
- Online Shopping Fraud
- Online Auction Fraud
Identity theft refers to the use of someone else's personal information (name, mother’s maiden name, social insurance number, etc.) to commit crimes (RCMP – Internet Theft). In January 8, 2010, it became illegal to possess or use another person's identity information with the purpose of committing a crime or to use that information in a deceptive o...
Identity fraud is the act of using the identity of another person (living or dead) or inventing a fake identity to commit fraud, (for example: applying for a credit card in the name of someone who is deceased). The individual committing the fraud looks for personal information such as a full name, date of birth, social insurance number, full addres...
Debit card fraud happens when a thief “skims" or swipes the information from the strip on the back of your card, or from the chip to create a duplicate of your card. This is done by using a “skimming” machine which scans the back of a debit/credit card and captures the important features of your bank card (bank number, account number, etc.) without...
Phishing is a term used for e-mails, text messages and websites that are fabricated by criminals to look like they come from a trusted source. They are used to collect personal, financial and sensitive information. It’s also known as brand spoofing. The content of a phishing e-mail or text message is intended to trigger a quick reaction from you. I...
Some companies will use mass marketing scams to provide loans to people. They often target people who have bad credit rating and wouldn’t qualify for a loan elsewhere, using phrases such as “Have a bad credit history?” or “Don’t have a credit rating?” Once a user is hooked, they will initiate the fraud process by requesting a lump sum of money upfr...
A prize pitch scam is a mass marketing scam where victims will receive notification by mail, phone, or e-mail indicating that they have won a prize. However, in order to collect the prize the victim is required to pay fees or taxes in advance. Once the victim has provided the money, they may never hear from the organization again or they will recei...
Scammers will often tell a sob story, which consists of a heartbreaking event, followed by their need for emergency funding at which point they will ask for a small donation from you often via email transfer. To complete this transaction they will require your bank name, address, telephone number, name of beneficiary and your account numbers. The s...
Telemarketing fraud can happen in several ways. One common way is when a telemarketer calls your number and pretends to be offering you an exclusive deal and once you are interested, they will ask for your credit card information. They may also request that you make a charitable donation for disaster relief efforts, sometimes by claiming they are a...
People can buy or sell almost anything over the Internet. Unfortunately, criminals can use the anonymity of the Internet to steal from unsuspecting buyers and sellers. For example, scammers may sell a product – often at a very cheap price – just so they can steal your payment card or personal information. They may also take your money and send you ...
Online auction sites are virtual flea markets that present new or used items that you can bid on. Online auction scams can include the false representation of an item, non-delivery of goods and services, as well as non-payment for goods delivered. Online auctions can be rigged by scammers, who will often use “dummy bidders.” This is seen when you a...
Mar 31, 2023 · Phishing is an attack where a scammer calls you, texts or emails you, or uses social media to trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware, or sharing sensitive information. Phishing attempts are often generic mass messages, but the message appears to be legitimate and from a trusted source (such as from a bank or courier company).
People also ask
What if I receive a scam email from Royal Mail?
What is a phishing scam?
What is a phishing e-mail?
How do I report a scam message to Canada Post?
Do I need to report suspicious emails or text messages to Canada Post?
Did CRTC retweet a phishing message claiming CRA phone numbers?
Reporting potential scams. If you receive a suspicious email, text message, telephone call that claims to be from Royal Mail or discover a Royal Mail branded website which you think is fraudulent, please report it to reportascam@royalmail.com.
