[Toolkit] Seniors Fraud Prevention Toolkit

Even though fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada, it often remains hidden. Behind every fraud is a real victim suffering from financial loss, emotional distress, and long-term psychological harm. It can damage trust, relationships, and confidence. Many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed and never report what happened, which allows fraudsters to continue targeting others. Underreporting is just one factor that makes fraud difficult to spot. It is becoming more organized, more professional, and more convincing. Criminal networks use advanced technology, social engineering, and artificial intelligence to deceive Canadians into sending money or sharing personal information.

Anyone and everyone can be targeted by fraud. While older Canadians continue to report the highest dollar losses, younger Canadians are being targeted more than ever. Fraud is affecting students, workers, families, retirees, and professionals alike.

Fraud is rising in volume and complexity

Fraud continues to increase across the country. In 2025, Canadians reported over 112,000 instances of fraud with total losses exceeding $704 million. Perpetrators are using technology to develop and deliver fraudulent messages at scale, creating content that looks and sounds real using fake websites, deepfakes, and stolen identities. Cryptocurrencies and other real time payments make it increasingly difficult to stop a fraud in progress. Once money is sent, it is often moved quickly and is difficult to recover.

Top frauds affecting Canadians

Based on reporting received at the CAFC, the frauds with the most impact on Canadians include:

Investment Fraud: Fraudulent investment platforms and fake advisors promising high returns.

Relationship and Romance Fraud: Fraudsters build trust online and convince victims to send money.

Identity Fraud: Fraudsters use stolen personal information to open accounts and/or take over existing ones.

Phishing: Fraudulent emails or text messages designed to steal personal and financial information.

Recovery Fraud: Fraudsters claim they can recover lost money for a fee but steal even more.

These frauds are carefully designed to look legitimate. Fraudsters use pressure, fear, urgency, and emotion to manipulate their victims.

Impact of fraud

Fraud often happens quietly. There are no broken windows or visible crime scenes, but the damage is real. Victims may lose their life savings, their homes, and families. They may feel betrayed, anxious, angry or ashamed. Some experience long-term stress, depression, or loss of trust in others.

Remember

• Fraud is not a mistake or a trick. It is a crime
• Everyone has a role in education, helping to detect and prevent fraud
• Reducing the impact of fraud starts with awareness – talk to your family, friends, and coworkers
• Ask questions. Slow down. Recognize, Reject and Report fraud
• For more information on how to protect yourself, visit Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police. Also visit the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website to report online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.