What to do if you've been scammed

Being scammed is deeply stressful, but the most important thing to know is that you're not alone—and there are clear steps to take right now. If you've been victimized by fraud, time is critical: the faster you act, the better your chances of stopping further damage to your bank accounts, credit, and personal information.

Step 1: Protect Your Bank Immediately

Before anything else, contact your bank right away. Call the fraud or loss prevention line on the back of your card, not the regular customer service number. Explain what happened and ask them to freeze or lock any cards involved. Many banks let you lock cards instantly through their mobile app while you wait on the phone.

• Freeze or cancel compromised debit and credit cards immediately
• Request a new card with a different number (banks often send these overnight at no cost in fraud cases)
• Ask your bank to dispute any unauthorized transactions
• Request a new PIN and review recent account statements for suspicious activity
• If money was transferred to another account, ask your bank to attempt a reversal or chargeback

Step 2: Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is Canada's central repository for fraud and identity theft information. It does not investigate cases itself, but it shares reports with police and law enforcement agencies across Canada and internationally. Reporting here is essential, even if you plan to report to police as well.

How to Report to the CAFC

• Call toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM Eastern Time)
• Report online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca
• You can report anonymously if you prefer

When you report, have ready: details of what happened, any account numbers or email addresses used by the scammer, amounts lost, dates, and any supporting documents (emails, texts, receipts, screenshots). The CAFC uses this information to identify patterns and protect other Canadians from the same criminals.

Step 3: File a Police Report

For fraud cases, you can usually file a report with your local police through their non-emergency line rather than 911. Police investigate fraud and can issue you an official report number, which you'll need later if you want to claim a new Social Insurance Number (SIN) or dispute unauthorized credit accounts. Even if police cannot immediately investigate, the report creates an official record.

• Contact your local police non-emergency line (not 911 unless there's immediate danger)
• Ask for an online reporting option if available
• Get a report number, officer name, and phone number
• Request a copy of the police report for your records

The police report is particularly important if your SIN or identity data was compromised, since you may need it to prove fraud when requesting a new SIN or resolving credit issues.

Step 4: Lock Down Your Identity (If Your SIN or Personal Data Leaked)

If the scammer obtained your Social Insurance Number (SIN), passport number, driver's license, or other government ID, you must act fast. Your SIN is linked to all your government records—tax, employment, benefits—and can be used to open loans, get jobs, or commit tax fraud in your name.

Contact Service Canada

Call Service Canada immediately at 1-800-206-7218 (or 1-800-622-6232 for general inquiries) to report that your SIN may have been compromised. They can flag your file and advise you on protective measures. Service Canada can monitor your account for suspicious activity, though getting a brand-new SIN is very difficult—it's only issued if you prove the SIN was used fraudulently AND that it caused you significant ongoing hardship.

Place a Fraud Alert with Credit Bureaus

Canada has two major credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion Canada and Equifax Canada. You must contact both separately. A fraud alert (sometimes called a protective statement) tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This does not affect your credit score.

• TransUnion Canada: Call 1-800-663-9980 or visit their online portal
• Equifax Canada: Call 1-866-828-5961 or visit equifax.ca
• You can request a fraud alert by phone, online, or mail—all at no cost

A fraud alert typically stays on your credit file for 6 years unless you request it removed sooner. Request a copy of your credit file from both bureaus to check for any accounts you did not open.

Credit Freeze (Quebec and Ontario Only)

If you live in Quebec or Ontario, you can also request a credit freeze, which is stronger than a fraud alert. A credit freeze blocks lenders from accessing your credit report entirely unless you temporarily lift it. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name, but does not affect your existing accounts. Freezes are free in both provinces. Starting July 1, 2026, Ontario residents can now place credit freezes with both TransUnion and Equifax. If you live in another province, you can place a fraud alert but cannot yet place a true credit freeze (though some provinces are considering legislation).

Step 5: Dispute Fraudulent Accounts and Charges

If the scammer used your identity to open credit accounts, get loans, or make purchases, you need to contact each company involved. Provide them with your police report number and copies of documentation showing the fraud. Ask them to close any unauthorized accounts and remove false charges from your record.

• Keep copies of all documentation you provide to credit companies and police
• Request written confirmation from each creditor that fraudulent accounts have been closed
• Monitor your credit report for new unauthorized activity over the coming months

Special Concern: Scams Targeting Newcomers and Immigration Status

Many scams specifically target newcomers, including immigrants, international students, and refugees. Some scammers pretend to be immigration officials and threaten deportation or loss of permanent resident (PR) status to scare you into paying money or sharing personal information. It's crucial to know: reporting a scam will never harm your immigration status. The Canadian government's goal is to catch scammers, not punish victims who were misled.

If Immigration-Related Fraud Targeted You

If a scammer posed as an immigration official or promised to help with your visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residence application, report the fraud to:

• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): 1-888-495-8501
• IRCC Border Watch Line: 1-888-502-9060
• Your local police (non-emergency line)
• IRCC Client Support Centre if it involves your application or status

Scammers often promise faster approvals, guaranteed approvals, or special immigration deals—none of which are real. The Canadian government cannot guarantee approval of any application, and no private person can either.

What to Expect After Reporting

After you report fraud to police and the CAFC, understand that investigations can take time and may be complex, especially if the scammer is overseas. Police will investigate the case, but they cannot always recover stolen money. Your police report will be shared with the CAFC and other law enforcement agencies, which helps identify patterns and stop repeat offenders.

Keep all documentation for your records: police report numbers, CAFC reference numbers, correspondence with your bank and credit bureaus, and copies of any evidence you provided. You may need these if you pursue civil legal action or need to prove fraud later.

Additional Support

If you are struggling emotionally or financially after being scammed, reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or settlement agency. Many organizations in Canada offer free or low-cost settlement support, financial counseling, and legal advice to newcomers. Remember: fraud can happen to anyone, and reporting it is a sign of strength, not shame. The more fraud is reported, the better law enforcement can protect all Canadians.