Canada Scams: Fraud, Impersonation & Online Crime Guide
Common scams targeting Canadians and how to report them to the CAFC, your bank, and local police.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Canada experiences high rates of phone and email fraud, government impersonation, investment scams, and romance fraud. Common tactics include callers posing as the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) demanding tax payments, tech support impersonators seeking remote access to computers, and romantic relationships that lead to cryptocurrency investment losses. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and the RCMP's National Cybercrime Coordination Centre operate a unified reporting portal at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca. Reporting quickly can help authorities disrupt criminal networks and, in some cases, flag accounts for monitoring. Whether you are a victim or a witness, filing a report contributes to a national picture of how fraud is evolving in Canada.
Common scams
- CRA (tax authority) impersonation demanding payment by gift card or crypto
- Tech support scams seeking remote computer access
- Romance and pig-butchering crypto investment fraud
- Investment fraud and fake trading platforms
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced or unlicensed airport taxi services
- Ticket resale scams for events and sports
Online shopping scams
- Phishing emails impersonating banks or Canada Post
- Marketplace non-delivery and fake rental listings
- Delivery smishing (parcel fee text messages)
Job scams
- Task scams paying small amounts then requiring deposits
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees or equipment purchases
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance leading to crypto investment grooming
- Long-distance relationship scams with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and crypto 'AI bot' schemes
- Affinity fraud targeting community or religious groups
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to report and attempt to freeze fraudulent transfers
- Report fraud and cybercrime at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or call 1-888-495-8501
- Report to local police for criminal investigation
- For investment fraud, report to your provincial securities regulator
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- Provincial securities regulators — Contact your province's securities commission for investment fraud
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card — not any number provided by a caller. The CRA and legitimate government agencies will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer under threat of arrest. Canadian banks can attempt to recall or flag some transfers if notified quickly.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Does the CRA demand immediate payment by gift card or crypto?
No. The Canada Revenue Agency will never demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, nor threaten arrest by phone. Such contact is a scam — hang up and report to the CAFC.
Where should I report a scam in Canada?
Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Also report to your local police and contact your bank right away.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes. The CAFC reporting system at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca allows anonymous submissions.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance