Scams and fraud - Government of Canada
Learn the signs so you can protect yourself from scammers.
Know the signs of a scam
Many scams and fraud attempt to imitate government services in order to gain access to your personal and financial information.
It may be a scam if someone:
- Demands immediate payment
- Uses threatening language
- Sends you a link and ask you to click on it
- Asks for personal or financial information
- Requests payment by cryptocurrency or gift cards
If you are in doubt, take a minute to ask yourself why you are being contacted. It's okay to ask questions and say no.
Identify scams related to government services
Report scams or fraud to the appropriate Government of Canada department or agency.
Scammers often pretend to be from:
- Service Canada
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Social insurance number (SIN), employment insurance (EI) and passport-related scams, how to confirm if Service Canada contacted you.
- Canada Revenue Agency
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Tax and benefit-related scams, how to report scams and fraud, how to verify if the CRA contacted you.
- Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada
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Scams and fraud targeting newcomers, what to do and who to contact.
- Canada Border Services Agency
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Mail package and courier-related scams, know when the CBSA may contact you.
Notify the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
You should report all scams or fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), even if you were not a victim.
The CAFC collects and provides information on fraud and identity theft to protect Canadians. This information may help assist law enforcement with their investigations.
For details: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Protect yourself
Learn how to protect your personal and financial information from scams and fraud.
Scams and fraud statistics: 2023
- Reports processed:
63,434 - Victims of fraud:
41,988 - Lost to fraud:
$569 M
Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Posters
These print-ready posters give some tips on how to be scam smart and are available in 11 languages.
Published: 2025-03-10
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