Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

03/06/2026

We encourage Canadians to stay alert for scams using the Canada Strong Fund name. The Fund is not currently open for public investment. Details on how to participate as a retail investor will be provided by the federal government in the fall.

The Government of Canada will not ask people to register through YouTube ads, QR codes, cold calls, or third-party investment platforms. https://ow.ly/hC6I50Z7jvK

Never share personal or financial information through ads or links and report any suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. https://ow.ly/guHc50Z7jvI

03/06/2026

Media Release: Stay Alert to Roofing, Driveway Paving, and Contractor Scams

Exercise caution when hiring contractors and take fraud prevention steps to protect yourself.

Fraudsters often approach homeowners door-to-door, leaving flyers, and advertising through websites and social media while posing as legitimate roofing or asphalt paving contractors. In some cases, stolen identities or fabricated business information are being used to appear credible.

These individuals often promote “limited-time” or “cash-only” deals and use high-pressure tactics to secure immediate or upfront payment. Once payment is made, victims have reported that work is either incomplete, substandard, or not completed at all. In some instances, individuals have become aggressive or intimidating when questioned about the quality of work or when additional payments are refused.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

🔹Get referrals from friends, family, or call trusted business associations, such as the local North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce
🔹Ask for proof of licensing, liability insurance, and WSIB coverage.
🔹Compare 2–3 detailed, written quotes.
🔹Contact recent clients and ask to see completed work.
🔹Sign a contract with the scope, cost, and timelines outlined in writing.
🔹Limit upfront payments. A small deposit is normal; avoid paying everything upfront.
🔹Watch for red flags, such as pressure tactics, vague details, or no business address.
🔹Make sure the contractor handles all required permits.
🔹Use secure and traceable payment methods; avoid paying cash.
🔹Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, walk away or get a second opinion.

Report suspicious activity. If you believe you’ve been a victim of a contractor scam, please call 705-497-5555 (option 5) to speak with an officer and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can also be submitted through Near North Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.

For additional fraud prevention information and resources, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online, which offers guidance on recognizing, preventing, and reporting fraud and scams.

29/05/2026

22/05/2026

🚨Phishing Alert! Fake Parking and Speeding Infraction Text Messages

As summer approaches and travel increases, fraudsters are sending fake parking and speeding infraction messages to Canadians across the country. These messages may appear to come from a municipality, government agency, or parking authority. They often create a sense of urgency and include links requesting payment and personal information. Fraudsters rely on urgency and fear to pressure victims into making payment or sharing sensitive information.

Protect Yourself:
• Do not click links in unexpected messages
• Contact the municipality, government agency, or company directly using an official phone number or website
• Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message

Lear more about phishing and how to protect yourself: https://antifraudcentre.ca/scams-fraudes/phishing-hameconnage-eng.htm

20/05/2026

⚠️ CONSUMER ALERT: As demand surges for tickets to major summer events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, concerts, and festivals, the Bureau warns consumers to stay vigilant when buying event tickets. 🎫

Protect yourself from fraud by following these tips ⬇️

✅ Buy from trusted sources

✅ Be cautious on the secondary market

✅ Watch out for unusual pricing and pressure tactics

✅ Use protected payment methods

✅ Keep records

Click on the link below for more tips and to learn how to report fake tickets and deceptive marketing practices.

15/05/2026

13/05/2026

🚨NEWS ALERT🚨
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) worked with a Canadian financial institution to help recover approximately $3.5 million CAD linked to a sophisticated payment redirection fraud targeting a Quebec business.

In April 2026, fraudsters targeted a business involved in a high-value commercial transaction. The fraud involved a form of spear phishing where criminals impersonated legitimate contacts and manipulated email communications to provide fraudulent payment instructions.

The incident was quickly reported to the CAFC, which allowed the centre, financial institutions and investigative partners to coordinate response efforts quickly.

Full news release: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/news-nouvelles/2026/2026-05-13-eng.htm

05/05/2026

🚨 Fraud Alert: Calendar Phishing

Fraudsters are sending emails that look like invoices or subscription notices from companies such as PayPal or Norton. These emails include or trigger a calendar invite, that are often automatically added to your device calendar.

How it works:
• The invite may appear legitimate and include a “Join meeting”
or “View details” link.
• Clicking the link may redirect you to a fake login page designed to steal your username and password.

Protect yourself:
• Don’t click links in unexpected emails or calendar invites
• Verify the sender before responding
• Never enter your credentials after clicking a suspicious link
• Enable multi-factor authentication

For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud: https://antifraudcentre.ca/index-eng.htm

04/05/2026

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is raising awareness of an extortion fraud involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officials from China and Hong Kong. The fraud has been reported internationally and primarily targets members of the Asian community, including students and individuals with ties to mainland China or Hong Kong.

In this scheme, victims are contacted by phone and falsely accused of being involved in criminal activity. Fraudsters claim to represent agencies such as the Public Safety Bureau (PSB) or other international public safety authorities. Victims are pressured to cooperate with a supposed “investigation” and may be instructed to travel or transfer funds under urgent and threatening circumstances. In some cases, victims are directed to convert money into gold or other high-value assets and surrender them to individuals posing as officers of the law such as anti-corruption officials. These tactics are designed to create fear, urgency and compliance.

For more information: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2026/05/extortion-targeting-asian-communities-extorsion-visant-communaut%C3%A9s-asiatiques-eng.htm

24/04/2026

The RCMP’s NC3 was proud to partner with Toronto Police Service on Project Lighthouse, a landmark investigation into the use of “SMS blasters” in Canada.

These tools mimic legitimate cell towers, connecting to nearby devices and sending fraudulent texts that appear to come from trusted organizations like banks or service providers. These messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal personal, financial, or login information.

By detecting, tracing, and identifying those responsible, this operation shows how police partners continue to adapt to evolving cyber threats, working together to keep Canadians safe online.

The NC3 commends the work of the Toronto Police Service and all Project Lighthouse partners on this milestone.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/8Szy50YP2gm