Scams and fraud
Year-to-date:
As of March 31, 2023
- Reports of fraud:
18,645
(92,078 in 2022) - Victims of fraud:
12,094
(57,578 in 2022) - Lost to fraud:
$133.7 M
($531 M in 2022)
Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Recognizing a scam
Many scams and frauds attempt to imitate government services in order to gain access to your personal and financial information. To identify legitimate communications from us, read these guidelines and know what to expect if we contact you.
Messages claiming to be from Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada
Learn how to identify Service Canada or 1 800 O-Canada fake calls, texts, emails or mail.
Messages claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency
Learn how to identify CRA fake calls, texts, emails or mail.
Messages claiming to be from Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada
Learn how to identify Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada fake calls, texts, emails or mail.
Messages claiming to be from Canada Border Services Agency
Learn how to identify Canada Border Services Agency fake calls, texts, email or mail.
Types of scams and fraud
Phone call scams
Beware of telephone calls claiming to be from the Government of Canada.
Prepaid cards, bitcoin, e-transfer payment scams
Beware of suspicious requests demanding immediate payment.
Email scams
Watch out for emails claiming to be from the Government of Canada.
Text messages/instant messaging scams
Beware of text messages and instant messaging that looks like it’s from the Government of Canada.
Mail scams
Beware of mail that looks like it’s from the Government of Canada.
Common scams aimed at newcomers to Canada
Learn about the kinds of scams newcomers to Canada should watch out for.
COVID-19 scams and fraud
Learn about reported scams related to COVID-19 and how to protect yourself.
Phone call scams
People trying to steal your personal information will pretend to be Government of Canada employees. If someone calls you saying they are from the Government of Canada, there are ways you can verify it’s official government communication.
For example, if the caller is claiming to be from CRA, you can ask for the caller's name, work section, and office location and tell them that you want to first verify their identity.
For more information visit:
Poster
This print-ready poster gives some tips on how to be scam smart. Available in 11 languages.
Video: Spot the red flags
Email scams
In some cases, the Government of Canada will send you an email. For example, The Canada Revenue Agency may notify you by email when a new message or a document, such as a notice of assessment or reassessment, is available for you to view in secure CRA portals.
Scammers will try to imitate the government and send fake emails requesting personal or financial information. These are called phishing emails. Make sure you delete phishing emails and do not click on any links; they can carry harmful viruses that can infect your computer.
For more information visit:
Poster
This print-ready poster gives some tips on how to be scam smart. Available in 11 languages.
Video: Protect your personal information
Text messages/instant messaging scams
The Government of Canada will not send texts asking you:
- For personal information
- To verify if your Social Insurance Number has been stolen
- To receive a tax refund
- To make a payment
- To receive your Employment Insurance payment
For more information visit:
Poster
This print-ready poster gives some tips on how to be scam smart. Available in 11 languages.
Video: Is the CRA texting me?
Protecting yourself
Stay safe online
Learn about simple steps you can take to protect yourself online like choosing strong passwords, passphrases and PINs.
Protect yourself from scams and fraud
Learn how to avoid scammer pressure tactics, get tips on how to verify whether a communication is legitimate, and what to do if you suspect a scam.
Protect your Social Insurance Number
Find information on how to protect your SIN, and what to do if you suspect your SIN is being used by someone, or you have been affected by a data breach.
Protect your financial information
Scammers may try to steal your personal and financial information to access your accounts and steal your money. Learn more about how to protect yourself.
Reporting
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
If you or a family member have been contacted by a scammer, report it the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
What to do if you are a victim of fraud
Learn about what you can do if you are a victim of fraud.
Report deceptive marketing practices
Making false or misleading claims to promote a product or service is illegal in Canada, and can be reported to the Competition Bureau.
Report unauthorized health products and claims
False and misleading advertising of drugs, medical devices and natural health products including hand sanitizers and disinfectants is illegal in Canada.
Not sure if it's us contacting you? Watch our videos to learn more.
Using the same password? Take the quiz and find out how secure your online accounts are.
This booklet is available in 8 languages and includes 12 of the most common scams targeting Canadians.
Posters
These print-ready posters give some tips on how to be scam smart. Available in 11 languages.
Published: 2022-11-29
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