March is fraud prevention month and the five most common scams in Canada have been revealed.
In 2024, Canadians reported losing $642 million to fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. This is well over the previous record of $578 million in 2023. Many incidents go unreported.
Cyber-enabled fraud accounted for 75 per cent of reported losses, reflecting the increasing sophistication of online crime.
The Ontario Provincial Police Anti-Rackets Branch and Serious Fraud Office just launched the 2025 Fraud Prevention Month campaign, “The Masks of Fraud.” The campaign aims to equip Canadians with the information, tools and strategies they need to recognize, reject and report fraud.
“Fraud is constantly evolving, and our collective response must evolve with it,” said OPP Detective Superintendent Mike Bickerton. “By working with partners in law enforcement, industry and the community, we are strengthening fraud prevention, supporting victims and holding those responsible accountable. Fraud Prevention Month …