Report a scam in Canada

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 911 - for immediate danger only.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
Verified official source

Canada's central agency for reporting fraud and scams.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Verified official source

Cyber security guidance and reporting.

Source type: cyber agency · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.cyber.gc.ca
Competition Bureau Canada
Verified official source

Consumer protection and deceptive marketing complaints.

Source type: consumer protection · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://competition-bureau.canada.ca
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – Identity Theft
Verified official source

Steps to recover from identity theft.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

Report scam texts: Report spam to the Spam Reporting Centre at fightspam.gc.ca.

Report phishing email: Forward phishing emails to the impersonated organisation and report to the CAFC.

If money is involved: Contact your bank using the number on your card; ask to secure your account.

Police advice: Call 911 in an emergency; report fraud to the CAFC and your local police.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in Canada

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Report spam to the Spam Reporting Centre at fightspam.gc.ca.

Bank & payment scams: Contact your bank using the number on your card; ask to secure your account.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in Canada

CRA tax and government-imposter scams
Bank and Interac e-Transfer scams
Delivery (Canada Post) smishing
Investment and romance scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in Canada?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.