Canada Scam & Fraud Statistics
Canadians reported $643.7 million in fraud losses to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in 2024, though the CAFC estimates only 5–10% of incidents are ever reported.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Canada's Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) publishes annual statistics drawn from voluntary public reports. Because reporting rates are very low, official figures capture only a fraction of true losses — researchers estimate the real total is ten to twenty times higher.
Figures below come from the CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report, released via the Government of Canada's Open Data portal. All dollar amounts are Canadian dollars unless noted.
Key figures
CAD $643.7 million
Total reported fraud losses in 2024
Source: CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report (2024)
108,878 reports
Total fraud reports received by CAFC in 2024
Source: CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report (2024)
CAD $313 million (49% of total reported losses)
Investment fraud losses — the costliest category for the fifth consecutive year
Source: CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report (2024)
5–10%
Estimated share of incidents that are actually reported
Source: CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report (2024)
Key takeaways
- Investment fraud accounted for nearly half of all reported dollar losses in Canada in 2024, making it the single costliest fraud type for the fifth year running.
- The CAFC's $643.7 million figure is almost certainly a severe undercount — the agency itself estimates only 5–10% of fraud is ever reported.
- Cyber-enabled fraud (online or technology-assisted) made up 75% of the reported dollar losses, reflecting the growing role of digital channels in fraud.
Frequently asked questions
How much money did Canadians lose to fraud in 2024?
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recorded $643.7 million CAD in reported losses in 2024. The CAFC estimates this represents only 5–10% of actual fraud, meaning the true total is likely many times higher.
What is the most common fraud type in Canada?
By dollar value, investment fraud is the costliest category, accounting for roughly 49% of reported losses in 2024 — a position it has held for five consecutive years.