Consumer alert: new fraud using FCAC name
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has learned of suspicious incidents. These involve fraudsters claiming to be an employee or the Commissioner of FCAC. These incidents targeted consumers by asking for personal and financial information, and in some cases requesting payment.
FCAC never requests payment from individuals. FCAC does not contact Canadians directly to ask for personal or confidential information.
Anyone contacted in this manner should report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).
The Canadian Anti-fraud Centre is a national service that gathers intelligence on fraud across Canada and assists the police with prevention. It’s jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau Canada and the Ontario Provincial Police.
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
FCAC’s mandate is to strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians and supervise the compliance of federally regulated financial entities. This includes making sure that banks are in compliance with the consumer protection laws and regulations that apply to them.
Learn more about FCAC’s raison d’être and mandate.
Identifying fraud
Fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters constantly find new ways to steal personal or financial information and access the accounts of individuals or businesses. It may sometimes be difficult to identify the difference between legitimate requests for information from trusted organizations and fraud.
Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to:
- recognize the signs
- reject claims that seem too good to be true
- reporting fraud to the appropriate authorities
As part of its role to protect financial consumers, FCAC provides unbiased and fact-based information and tools. This includes information on fraud.
Learn more about fraud and scams.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has more information on fraud as well as tips to help protect you from fraud.