Online Scams in Canada: How to Spot Them and Where to Report (2026)

Scammers target Canadians every day by phone, text and social media. These are the most common tricks and how to protect yourself.

Common Scams

• CRA scams – callers claim you owe tax and demand payment by gift card or crypto. The Canada Revenue Agency never does this.
• Fake Canada Post or courier texts asking for a small redelivery fee.
• Bank investigator scams – someone posing as your bank asks you to move money or share a code.
• Rental scams – fake listings asking for a deposit before you can view the home.
• Job and task scams – easy online work that requires you to deposit money first.
• Romance and crypto investment scams.

Where to Report in Canada

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) – 1-888-495-8501 or online.
• Your local police – especially if you lost money.
• Your bank – call immediately using the number on your card.
• Forward spam texts to 7726.

Final Thoughts

Hang up, slow down and check with the organisation directly. Never share one-time passcodes.