In 2025, Canadians reported over 112,000 instances of fraud totaling in losses of over $704 million.
In collaboration with the Government of Canada, Camrose Police Service offers the following information and tips to assist residents on recognizing, reporting and preventing fraud.
Currently the top frauds impacting Canadians include, but are not limited to:
-Investment fraud
-Relationship fraud
-Identity fraud
-Phishing
-Recovery pitch
-Fraud investigator
-Personal information fraud
-Merchandise fraud
-Job fraud
-Extortion
-Service fraud
-Prize fraud
Before you send money online, STOP, THINK and remember these tips:
- be cautious of unexpected calls, texts, emails, or online messages, even if they seem professional or urgent,
- fraudsters often pretend to be trusted organizations, businesses, government agencies, or romantic partners,
- never send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or personal information to someone you have not verified,
- requests for secrecy or pressure to act quickly are common warning signs of fraud and
- if an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Why reporting fraud matters
When Canadians report fraud and attempted fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), they are doing more than documenting an incident. Reports help build national intelligence, identify fraud trends, and support prevention and disruption efforts across Canada.
Even when no money is lost, reports help:
- support prevention and disruption efforts
- identify emerging fraud tactics
- support public warnings and education
- inform partners and law enforcement
- reduce the ability of fraudsters to target others
What you can do
- report fraud and attempted fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- stay informed through trusted sources like the CAFC Fraud Dashboard
- talk to family, friends, and colleagues about fraud warning signs
- pause and verify before sending money or personal information
If you suspect you have been the target of cybercrime or fraud report it to your local police.
Also visit the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website to report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
Be your first line of defence.
