How to report a scam in Canada
- Call your bank first to try to stop or dispute the payment.
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501.
- Lost money? Also report to your local police, who handle investigations.
Where to report
Can you get your money back?
Reporting to the CAFC will not return funds - recovery comes from the institution that moved the money, and speed is everything.
Credit or debit card: contact your issuer and ask for a chargeback. Bank transfer or e-transfer: call your bank immediately - a recent Interac e-Transfer or wire can sometimes be stopped before it is deposited. Gift card: call the card company and ask them to freeze the balance. Cryptocurrency: usually irreversible; report to the exchange and CAFC quickly. The full breakdown by payment method is in what to do if you've been scammed.
What happens after you report
The CAFC adds your report to a national database used to identify and disrupt fraud operations, and shares intelligence with law enforcement - but it does not investigate individual reports or recover money. Your local police are who may investigate, so report to both. Keep your CAFC report number and any police file number for your bank or insurer.
The scale in Canada
After a loss, be wary of anyone who contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee - that is the money recovery scam. No Canadian agency charges to get your money back.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I report a scam in Canada?
- Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online or by calling 1-888-495-8501. If you lost money, also report to your local police, who handle investigations. And contact your bank or card issuer right away to try to stop or dispute the payment.
- Does the CAFC get my money back?
- No. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre collects and shares fraud intelligence with law enforcement, but it does not investigate individual cases or recover money. To try to recover funds, contact your bank or card issuer immediately, and report to your local police.
- Should I report a scam to the police in Canada?
- Yes, if you lost money or your identity was compromised. The CAFC gathers national intelligence, but your local police service is who actually investigates. Reporting to both is recommended, and your bank may ask for a police file number.
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 2024 Annual Statistical Report. C$643.7m in reported fraud losses in 2024, and the CAFC's estimate that only 5-10% of fraud is reported.
We compile official reporting routes from government agencies and law enforcement. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Read about how we research or who we are.