Scams and fraud: Canada.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Fluent

Scams and fraud: Canada

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud

Every scam ends with a request to move money or share a code, and that is the moment to stop. This sheet has the warning signs, the first-hour steps, and where to report where you live.

The habit

Stop, hang up, and call back on a number you already have
Check new bank details by phone before you pay
Never read out a code you didn’t ask for

Warning signs

Contact out of the blue, with urgency or secrecy
A “safe account”, or new bank details
Guaranteed high returns, or fees to withdraw
Someone met online who needs money

The first hour

Stop paying, and call your bank on the number on your card
Change passwords you gave away, and keep the evidence
Report it to the police and the services below
Watch for recovery offers, and tell someone you trust

Signs of identity theft

Transactions or accounts you don’t recognize
Bills or debt letters for things you didn’t buy
Refused credit you would expect to get

In Canada

Report to police and the CAFC. If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, contact your local police as soon as possible. Also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), whether or not you were a victim; you can report anonymously.
Recovery scams. Fraudsters target previous victims, promising to get their money back or claiming to be a fraud investigator, and some pretend to be from the CAFC. The CAFC does not contact individuals to ask for money.
Check with a number you trust. The CAFC advises verifying a call about your credit card by phoning the number on the back of the card, and checking with other family members if a relative contacts you saying they are in trouble.
Government impersonation. Scammers often pretend to be the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada and other agencies. If you are unsure about a message, contact the department or agency directly.

Official places to check:

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/protect-protegez-eng.htm
Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/fluent/scams-and-fraud