Changed recently
- Whether to also report a scam to local police is now Report it to local police and get a file number. Source
- First step after losing money to a scam is now Report first to the financial institution that sent the money. Source
- Who may legally charge for immigration advice is now Only law society members, Quebec notaries, or College members. Source
- When you can take a bank complaint to OBSI is now After 56 days without a resolution from the bank. Source
Showing all 21 facts
| Fact | Value | As of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| First step after losing money to a scam | Report first to the financial institution that sent the money | 2026-09-08 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "What to do if you're a victim of fraud" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Second scam aimed at people who already lost money | Never pay anyone who promises to recover your lost money | 2026-09-08 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "What to do if you're a victim of fraud" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| How to report a scam online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | Report at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca; you may report anonymously | 2026-09-07 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Report fraud and cybercrime" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| How to report immigration fraud or an unauthorized consultant | CBSA Border Watch 1-888-502-9060, weekdays 9 am to 9 pm Eastern | 2026-09-08 | Canada Border Services Agency, "Contact the Border Watch Line" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| How to check an immigration consultant's licence | Search the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants public register | 2026-09-07 | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, "Public Register" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| CAFC alert - account takeover using your one-time passcode | Never share a one-time passcode; it hands over your account | 2026-04-01 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Securing your online accounts - protect your one-time passcodes" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| CAFC alert - payment redirection (spear phishing) fraud on businesses | Fake emails change payment instructions and redirect a real payment | 2026-05-13 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "CAFC and partners assist in $3.5M recovery linked to payment redirection fraud" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| CAFC alert - spear phishing transfer frozen with US Secret Service | $1.7 million CAD fraudulent transfer frozen after fast reporting | 2026-01-29 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "CAFC and US Secret Service freeze $1.7M fraudulent transfer" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Crypto investment scams that start on social media or dating apps | Fake trading platforms show gains you can never withdraw | 2026-09-08 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Investment" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Jobs that move money through your own bank account | Moving payments through your account makes you a money mule | 2026-09-08 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Money mule awareness" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Most reported types of fraud in Canada in 2025 | Identity fraud, investment fraud, service fraud | 2025-12-31 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre / Competition Bureau, "Fraud Prevention Month to bring hidden crime into the spotlight" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Phone number to report a scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | 1-888-495-8501, Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:45 pm Eastern | 2026-09-07 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Report fraud and cybercrime" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Reported fraud losses in the first three months of 2026 | over $188 million | 2026-03-31 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre supported Operation FRONTIER+III" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Share of fraud victims who actually report it | only 5% to 10% of frauds are reported | 2026-03-06 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre / Competition Bureau, "Fraud Prevention Month to bring hidden crime into the spotlight" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| The emergency or grandparent scam | Hang up and call the relative on a number you already have | 2026-09-07 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "Emergency" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| The fake cheque or overpayment job scam | No real employer sends a cheque and asks you to wire part back | 2026-09-07 | Competition Bureau Canada, "Job and employment scams" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Types of fraud that cost Canadians the most money in 2025 | Investment fraud, romance fraud, job fraud | 2025-12-31 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre / Competition Bureau, "Fraud Prevention Month to bring hidden crime into the spotlight" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| When you can take a bank complaint to OBSI | After 56 days without a resolution from the bank | 2022-06-30 | Financial Consumer Protection Framework Regulations (SOR/2021-181) ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Whether to also report a scam to local police | Report it to local police and get a file number | 2026-09-08 | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, "What to do if you're a victim of fraud" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Who may legally charge for immigration advice | Only law society members, Quebec notaries, or College members | 2021-11-23 | Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, section 91 ✓ 2026-09-09 |
| Who reviews your complaint if the bank says no | OBSI, the single free banking ombudsman since November 1, 2024 | 2024-11-01 | Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments, "OBSI becomes sole banking ombudsman" ✓ 2026-09-09 |
iamonmybreak publishes general information for working people. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Rules differ by province and country and change over time; the date at the top of this piece is when we last checked. For your specific case, especially anything involving money you are owed, contact a free community legal clinic or your provincial or territorial labour standards office.