Scams and Fraud

Frauds and Scams come in many forms and from many different sources including by phone, mail, door to door, email, internet, to name a few.

If You're a Victim

If you're a victim and have provided personal information and/or you have lost money, you can report it online by calling us at 613-575-2340.

If you simply wish to provide information about the fraudulent call, please submit a report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Common Prevention Tips 

Do not feel pressured into providing any personal information to unsolicited contact through phone calls, text messages, emails, door-to-door persons, and so on. You have the right to take your time to research and confirm their credibility.

Remember you can stop any fraud by hanging up, not replying to the email, shutting your door and not providing them with personal information.

Never feel forced into providing personal information about yourself which could lead to Identity Theft.

Caution

Be cautious of any person, business, or agency contacting you for an “urgent matter”, an "emergency", or a “legal issue”, that immediately requires your information or payment of some sort. Fraudsters are often successful because they create a sense of urgency and get you to react before thinking. Again, you have the right to take time to research and confirm if they are legitimate.

Don’t pay with online/store gift cards or bitcoin

Be very cautious of any so-called official person, government agency, business or organization that requests payment in iTunes gift cards or bitcoin. These types of payments are almost always used by fraudsters as they are nearly impossible to trace or recover. No Government or law enforcement agency will ever ask you for payment and/or donations over email.

Unsure Of Charity?

If you're contacted by someone seeking a donation for charity and you're unsure if they and/or the charity is legitimate, do not be pressured into making a donation for some “urgent” cause. Legitimate charities in Canada are registered by the Canada Revenue Agency. You can search the Canadian Governments list of charities. If the charity is well known, but you are unsure of the person seeking the donation, obtain the charity contact information from the phone book or online and then call to confirm the person is legitimate.

Telephone Solicitors

Do not trust Caller ID. Scammers can use Caller ID Spoofing to make their number look like any phone number including Government agencies, police departments, well-known businesses, and so on.

Common Frauds and Scams

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - CAFC collects information and criminal intelligence on frauds and scams. If you are suspicious that something or someone might be fraudulent or you just want to learn more, you can browse known scams and have a look at the Little Black Book of Scams resources. Please share this information with family and friends. Knowledge and caution is the best protection against fraud.

Additional Types of Fraud and How To Prevent Them

There are many types of fraud, with new ones invented regularly. Remaining cautious and aware is your best defense. It’s helpful to know that fraudsters use three powerful and effective things to get you to cooperate:

The hope of a benefit: “You’ve won a prize!” “This is a guaranteed investment!” “I love you!”

Fear: “You owe taxes.” “You will be arrested.” “Your loved one is in trouble.”

Your natural willingness to help: “Help us catch these crooked bank employees.” “Be our secret shopper.”

These are designed to manipulate your emotions, prevent you from thinking rationally, and make you take actions you normally would not.

Additional Fraud Prevention Tips

Make Others Aware of a Scam In Our Community

Report it to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.