Section 5
Report & Respond
If you suspect a scam — or if something has already happened — knowing what to do next matters. Acting quickly can limit the damage. And reporting what happened, even if you didn't lose any money, helps protect other Canadians from going through the same experience.
This section gives you a clear, step-by-step checklist, tells you exactly where to report, explains what happens after you report, and addresses the emotional side of fraud that too often goes unacknowledged.
You can report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — anonymously, and even if you didn't lose money.
Or call: 1-888-495-8501 · Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM ET
If you suspect a scam: what to do right now
If something feels wrong — or if you realise you may have been targeted — these five steps are the most important things to do. Don't wait. Don't feel embarrassed. Act.
Stop Communication
Hang up the phone, stop responding to messages, or close the door. Every additional interaction gives the scammer more opportunity to manipulate you.
Do Not Send More Money
Even if you've already sent money, stop. A common tactic is to convince victims that sending more will "fix" the situation or recover what was lost. It will not. Additional payments only go to the scammer.
Contact Your Bank Immediately
If any money has moved, or you shared financial information, call your bank's fraud line right away. Time matters enormously. The number is on the back of your card — do not use a number from a suspicious message.
Change Your Passwords
If you shared any passwords or clicked suspicious links, change your passwords — starting with email, which is the key to resetting most other accounts.
Report It
Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, your local police, and your bank. Even if you didn't lose money, your report matters. Details below.
Keep it on your fridge or somewhere visible.
Where to report
Reporting is important even when it feels awkward or small. Your report can connect multiple cases together and help prevent someone else from being victimised.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
1-888-495-8501 · reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca
Canada's national hub for fraud reporting. Reports can be made anonymously. The CAFC shares information with police across Canada and internationally. Your report may contribute to an ongoing investigation even if the CAFC does not investigate your individual case directly. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM Eastern.
Your Local Police Service
Non-emergency: check your local police website
If money or personal information was stolen, file a report with your local police. Ask for your report number — important for insurance claims, bank disputes, and future reference. Police investigations into fraud can result in charges, particularly when multiple victims report the same scheme.
Your Bank or Financial Institution
Number on the back of your card
Your bank has a dedicated fraud department that can review your accounts, freeze transactions, reverse recent payments in some cases, and help secure your accounts. Call as soon as possible — early contact gives them the best chance of helping. You can also visit your local branch in person.
What happens after you report?
This is one of the most common questions — and one of the most important to answer. Many people hesitate because they aren't sure what will come of it.
When you report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
- Your report is entered into a national database and shared with police across Canada and international partners.
- It may connect to other complaints that, together, paint a clearer picture of a fraud network — even if your case seems small.
- Intelligence from reports helps identify emerging scam trends and can trigger public warnings that protect others.
- Your information contributes to national statistics that drive government funding for fraud prevention and enforcement.
The CAFC does not investigate individual cases, and reporting does not guarantee your money will be recovered. For an active investigation into your specific case, contact your local police.
When you report to your bank:
- They can review your accounts for additional unauthorized activity.
- In some cases — especially when reported quickly — banks can reverse or block fraudulent transactions.
- They can add protective flags to your account and help you secure your banking credentials.
Reporting is not about admitting a mistake. It is about protecting others. Every report could be the piece of information that breaks open an investigation and prevents dozens of other people from going through what you did. The answer to "When should I report?" is always.
Why reporting matters
Fraud is the number one crime committed against older Canadians. The scale of the problem is staggering.
Reported lost in Canada in 2025 — and experts believe only 5–10% is ever reported.
Of all reported fraud losses in Canada are experienced by seniors aged 60 and older.
The estimated proportion of fraud that goes unreported — meaning real losses could be in the billions.
Shame and embarrassment keep many people from reporting. A common fear is that admitting to a scam might cause family to doubt one's independence or judgment. This fear is understandable — and it is exactly what scammers are counting on.
Reporting is not a sign of weakness. It is a contribution to the safety of your community. It is one of the most meaningful things you can do for the person who might be targeted next.
The emotional side of fraud
Being victimised by fraud isn't just a financial experience — it is an emotional one. And the emotional effects are often more lasting than the financial ones. People who have been targeted — whether or not they lost money — commonly experience:
- Shame and self-blame: "How could I fall for that?"
- Anxiety and difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Depression, loss of motivation, and withdrawal from social life
- Loss of trust in others — including family and friends
- Fear of being judged, or of losing independence if others find out
These feelings are real. They are completely understandable. And they are not a reflection of your character, your intelligence, or your worth. You were targeted by professional criminals who have spent years learning how to manipulate people. Being caught in their scheme does not define who you are.
Around the world, millions of people experience fraud every single day — people of every age, background, and level of education. This is not a problem that happens only to a few. You are not alone. And there is support available.
Getting support
If you have been affected by fraud — financially, emotionally, or both — please reach out. You do not have to manage this on your own. These resources are available to Canadians and are free to access.
Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH)
ccsmh.ca
Provides resources specifically developed for older adults experiencing the mental health effects of financial fraud — designed for seniors and the people who support them, including family, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Victim Services in Your Province
Search "[your province] victim services" or call 211
Provincial victim services offer free, confidential support to people who have experienced crime, including fraud. Services may include individual counselling, help navigating the reporting process, and referrals to local support.
211 Canada
Call or text: 211 (available across Canada)
A free helpline that connects you to local social services, mental health support, financial assistance programs, and community resources. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text: 9-8-8 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in crisis following a fraud experience, a free and confidential support line is available. You do not need to be in immediate danger to call.
A final word
Reaching this point means you have taken the time to learn about fraud, understand how scams work, and think about how to protect yourself and the people you care about. That is not a small thing.
The knowledge you have now — about the formula behind scams, the channels they use, the red flags to watch for, and the habits that protect you — puts you in a much stronger position than most. Share it with someone you care about. The more people know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
And if something ever happens to you or someone you know — whether it's a suspicious call, a close call, or a real loss — remember: report it, get support, and know that you are not alone.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 · reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca (report anonymously)
In a mental health crisis: call or text 9-8-8 (24/7)
For local support: call or text 211
Ready to put it into practice? Spot the Scam shows five real scams as they happen. See if you can spot the red flags.