Keeping yourself updated on the latest scams is the best way to guard against fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a great resource to consult for an updated listing of common scams and frauds. Here is a summary of some of the common scams in 2025 that you should be aware of.
Bank or financial institution
A scammer claiming to be a representative from a bank or financial institution will call and try to gain access to online banking and other personal information. The scammer may request downloading an app to verify identity or obtain other personal information. Learn more about how you can protect yourself against phone scams.
Charity donation
A scammer contacts you to ask for a charity donation and uses high-pressure tactics to get you to donate immediately. The charity may not exist, or the scammer may not be associated with it. To avoid charity scams, ask for information in writing before donating.
Canada Revenue Agency
A scammer claims to be an employee of either the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada. They state that you:
- have a compromised SIN number
- have an outstanding case against you
- owe back taxes
- have unpaid balances
- committed a financial crime
They threaten that if you do not speak to them immediately, you'll be arrested, fined or even deported. The scammers may request payment via money service businesses, pre‐paid cards/gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, or Steam cards), or Bitcoin.
Carbon Rebate
Canadian police services are warning about a Canada Carbon Tax Rebate Scam targeting members via email and text message e-Transfers. Here's what to know:
- You may receive an e-Transfer via email for SMS text from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) stating you have a rebate to approve and claim.
- Once you click the link, bad actors can gain access to your vital information and accounts.
Remember that the CRA will NEVER send rebates via e-Transfer.
It is important to stay alert, especially around the rebate distribution dates:
- January 15
- April 15
- July 15
- October 15
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency scams attempt to steal money, personal, and financial information. Fraudsters will offer you cryptocurrency buy-ins promising a high rate of return and in a short amount of time. Instead, the victim will lose their investment and sometimes their personal and financial information.
Emergency or grandparent scam
Emergency scams prey on your fear of a loved one being hurt or in trouble, often saying they need bail money or have been in an accident. Scammers claim to be someone you know and tell you they need money immediately.
Facebook Phishing/ e-Transfer® scam:
Facebook Marketplace has become a popular location and a convenient way to buy/sell items within communities, however, it is important to use caution when sending or receiving e-transfer as a method of payment.
Bad Actors have been known to send fraudulent e-Transfers and once accepted, can gain access to your vital information and accounts. They may send you an e-Transfer email or SMS text (some may look quite convincing), where you will be asked to enter your banking credentials. Once entered, the Bad Actors will gain access to your account and you will be susceptible to losing funds and/ or having your account passwords changed or locked.
You may also be asked to send an e-Transfer to hold an item until you can pick it up. This is NOT recommended as Bad Actors may ask the same of several people, only to disappear or then block you from further communication once they receive your e-Transfer.
It is important to stay vigilant:
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- Consider signing up for Interact Autodeposit for e-Transfers for an added level of security.
- Never accept an e-Transfer that seems unfamiliar, has incorrect details, or the incorrect amount.
- Never send money to “hold” an item on Marketplace.
- If you are going to send money electronically, ALWAYS agree to a password for the transfer as an additional safety measure.
- If the price for an item seems too good to be true, it usually is. This is a common tactic for Bad Actors to get you interested and create a sense of urgency, making you feel that you need to send a deposit to get the item before someone else does.
- Cash is the safest method of payment when dealing with a Facebook Marketplace transaction.
Fake online ads
Scammers are constantly creating fake ads online. A good rule of thumb: if the asking price of a product is too good to be true, it is. Examples include classified ads sites, resale sites, website pop-ups, and fake company websites
Fake websites
Fake websites are created that spoof a real website or an online banking site. These types of websites can be identified by the ending in their domain, which ends with “.org” rather than “.ca” or “.com”.
Hydro
A scammer claims to be an employee of a provincial hydro company and states that you have an unpaid balance on your bill. You must pay it immediately or the company will turn off your power. The scammer may request payment via e-transfer, or a gift card.
Package delivery scams
Scammers are sending fake shipping notices from popular courier services claiming that the recipient has a parcel waiting but must pay a customs or rescheduling fee, which needs to be done online through a website link. The link directs the recipient to a genuine-looking phishing site for the courier service, where they will be tricked into either entering their credit card or banking information.
Phishing
Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails claiming to be from a reputable company to persuade individuals to reveal personal information, such as online banking passwords and credit card numbers. Learning how to recognize desperation or false urgency in an email is important. Learn more about phishing.
Ransomware
Ransomware typically involves criminals gaining access to a network or device and encrypting data to make either the system or data inaccessible to users. Cybercriminals demand the payment of ransom in order for victims to be able to decrypt their data or regain access to their networks.
RCMP Impersonation:
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are warning the public about an ongoing phishing scam impersonating the RCMP.
Fraudsters are sending unsolicited RCMP “delivery notices” via text message (SMS). The messages are “informing” recipients that the RCMP was unable to deliver court documents and asking the recipient to reschedule to avoid missing a court date. These messages contain a link to an unofficial and fraudulent RCMP website to “reschedule the delivery”.
Stay vigilant!
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- The RCMP will never issue notices via text message.
- The official RCMP home page is: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/
Romance
A scammer convinces you to enter a virtual, online relationship so the scammer can gain your trust and affection. This can occur through email, dating apps, and/or social media. This leads to the scammer asking you for money or another financial method.
Spear phishing
Malware links are sent in a way to try and trick the end-user into clicking on them. Frequently taking place in corporate inboxes, where money and data are at risk, these attempts usually take the form of a manager or client asking for something important to be resolved on a rushed timeline.
Technical support
A scammer claims a virus has infected your computer through a website pop-up or an unsolicited phone call. The scammer will request access to your computer and may run programs or alter settings, as well as ask you to pay a fee to fix your computer.
For a comprehensive list of current scams and frauds, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
