Online Scams in Canada: CRA, Canada Post, Banking Fraud
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reported $569 million in fraud losses in 2025, up from $530 million the prior year. Investment fraud led with $309 million, followed by romance scams at $50 million and spear phishing at $42 million. These figures represent only reported losses — the CAFC estimates less than 5% of victims actually file reports, putting real losses well above $10 billion.
CRA Tax Scams
Canada Revenue Agency impersonation is the most common scam targeting Canadians. Scammers call, email, and text claiming you owe taxes, are due a refund, or that your SIN (Social Insurance Number) has been compromised. Calls are especially aggressive during tax season (February-April), with threats of arrest and immediate demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
"This is a final notice from the Canada Revenue Agency. You have an outstanding tax debt of $6,234. A warrant has been issued for your arrest. To avoid immediate arrest, call this number and arrange payment. Failure to respond will result in an RCMP visit to your home." — A voicemail left by CRA scammers. The CRA never threatens arrest by phone or voicemail.
The CRA will never demand immediate payment over the phone, ask for payment by gift cards or cryptocurrency, threaten you with arrest, or request personal information via email. CRA communications begin with mailed notices. Verify anything through My Account at canada.ca.
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Canada Post Delivery Scams
Fake Canada Post delivery notifications are rampant. "Your package requires a delivery fee of $1.99" texts lead to phishing pages that capture credit card information. The scam is effective because Canadians order heavily online and customs charges on international shipments are common — making a small fee request seem plausible.
Canada Post does not request delivery fees via text message. Track parcels directly at canadapost-postescanada.ca. If customs charges apply, you'll receive an official notice card in your mailbox.
Interac e-Transfer Scams
Canada's Interac e-Transfer system is a primary target. Scammers send fake e-Transfer notifications, purchase items on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace with fraudulent transfers, or send "accidental" transfers asking for refunds. The Autodeposit feature has reduced some fraud, but new attack vectors continue to emerge.
A common variant: you receive a legitimate-looking e-Transfer email but the "deposit" link leads to a phishing page that captures your banking credentials. Always deposit e-Transfers directly through your banking app rather than clicking email links.
Banking Fraud
Scammers impersonate TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and Desjardins with messages about suspicious activity, account suspensions, and security alerts. In 2026, AI-powered voice calls can impersonate bank representatives convincingly enough to fool even cautious individuals.
Canadian banks have implemented new fraud detection measures, but the first line of defense is you. If you receive any communication about your bank account, contact your bank using the number on your card or app — not the number provided in the message.
Employment and Immigration Scams
Canada's immigration system is heavily targeted. Scammers impersonate IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), offering to expedite applications, sell work permits, or process visa renewals — for a fee. Some target international students specifically.
IRCC will never contact you to sell immigration services. Application processing is done through official channels only. Report immigration fraud to the Canada Border Services Agency.
How to Report Scams in Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- RCMP: For ongoing criminal fraud activity
- Local police: File a report for any financial loss
- Competition Bureau: For deceptive marketing practices
- Provincial consumer protection: Contact your provincial agency
When in doubt about any message claiming to be from the CRA, your bank, Canada Post, or any other Canadian institution, paste it into IsThisAScam for instant analysis.
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