CAFC steps up awareness campaign during March 2022 Fraud Prevention Month

The Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) — jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau Canada, and the Ontario Provincial Police — indicates that 2021 was a historic year for fraud.

Based on reports to the CAFC, $379 million was lost to scams and fraud in 2021 — an increase of 130 per cent compared to 2020.

There is an increasing trend towards greater use of online services, particularly in the last two years of the pandemic. “Despite all of the ways the internet can help us, we need to remain vigilant as we don’t always know who is on the other side of our screens,” noted the RCMP in a press release.

“Many fraudsters use impersonation tactics to pose as a trusted source to steal money or personal information. This is why the Fraud Prevention Month 2022 campaign will focus on impersonation scams.”

Victims of scams, fraud or cybercrimes are encouraged to contact local police and report incidents to the CAFC via their online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

“Fraud is having real impacts on individuals, businesses and organizations. Many don’t think it could happen to them but last year’s jump in reported financial losses demonstrates that that’s not true. While law enforcement and partners continue to work to prevent and disrupt fraudsters, we need Canadians to learn how to protect themselves and always report,” said Chris Lynam, director general of the CAFC and the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit, RCMP, in a statement.