Online and phone scams in Canada have evolved rapidly over the past few years, blending social engineering with sophisticated digital tactics. Fraudsters now target Canadians across every channel — from text messages and phone calls to fake investment platforms and delivery notifications.
This hub tracks the most prevalent scams affecting Canadian consumers and businesses, summarizes new fraud trends, and lists official agencies where victims can report suspicious activity.
Top Scam Trends in Canada (2025)
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Canada has seen a surge in fake trading platforms and social media “investment mentors.” These scams typically start on Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram, where scammers promise guaranteed returns or insider tips. Victims are directed to professional-looking trading dashboards — but withdrawals are blocked once funds are deposited.
Red flags:
- Promises of daily or fixed profits
- Pressure to “invest quickly before the opportunity closes”
- Requests for crypto or wire transfers to offshore wallets
Reporting: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), your bank’s fraud department, and the provincial securities commission.
Fake Job Offers and Work-From-Home Scams
Employment fraud is now one of Canada’s fastest-growing scam types. Scammers pose as HR recruiters offering remote jobs in data entry, shipping, or virtual assistance. Victims are asked to buy “starter kits,” deposit fake cheques, or send ID for “verification.”
Red flags:
- Unsolicited job offers without an interview
- Employers using free email domains (Gmail, Outlook)
- Requests for upfront fees or equipment purchases
Report to: CAFC and Job Bank Canada (to flag fraudulent postings).
Delivery and Parcel Scams
Text messages from “Canada Post” or “DHL Canada” claiming a package is held for unpaid customs fees remain a daily occurrence. These SMS messages link to fake payment portals designed to harvest credit card data.
How to stay safe:
- Canada Post never requests additional fees via text message.
- Only track parcels using the official canadapost-postescanada.ca domain.
- Never click shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.) from unknown senders.
Romance and Social Media Scams
Fraudsters increasingly target Canadians on dating apps and Facebook using emotional manipulation and “pig butchering” (long-term romance-investment hybrids). Victims are convinced to send money for emergencies, travel, or joint investments — then ghosted once payments clear.
Warning signs:
- Refusal to meet on video calls
- Sudden talk of financial need
- Stories involving military deployment, medical emergencies, or crypto ventures
Report to: CAFC and the dating platform’s fraud team.
CRA and Government Impersonation Scams
Calls or emails claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Service Canada are among the most persistent frauds. Victims are told they owe back taxes or must provide SIN verification to avoid arrest.
How to verify:
- The CRA never threatens arrest or demands immediate payment by gift card or crypto.
- Check your official CRA MyAccount for real correspondence.
Report to: CAFC and the CRA Fraud Reporting Line.
Emerging Canadian Scam Tactics
- Deepfake voice calls: Fraudsters use AI voice clones to impersonate relatives or managers requesting urgent transfers.
- Fake immigration consultants: Offering “fast-track” PR visas or study permits for fees.
- Bank impersonation text scams: Messages that mimic TD, RBC, or Scotiabank notifications, prompting users to “verify” via phishing pages.
- Fake marketplace escrow services: Websites posing as neutral third parties for car or electronics sales.
What To Do If You’re Targeted
- Stop communication immediately. Don’t send money or share more data.
- Gather evidence: screenshots, message logs, receipts.
- Report to authorities (see below).
- Contact your bank to block transfers or cards.
- Monitor credit reports for identity theft if personal info was shared.
How to Report Scams in Canada
1. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
- Website: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501
- Purpose: National reporting centre for scams, fraud, and identity theft.
2. Local Police
- File a police report if you lost money or personal information.
3. Financial Institutions
- Contact your bank’s fraud department (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC).
- Request chargebacks or fund recalls where possible.
4. Credit Bureaus
- Equifax Canada: https://www.consumer.equifax.ca
- TransUnion Canada: https://www.transunion.ca
- Add fraud alerts or freezes if identity theft is suspected.