Fraudsters impersonating the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is issuing an urgent alert about fraudsters impersonating CAFC officials. These criminals are contacting Canadians by phone, email, and text message, falsely claiming to be CAFC representatives. They typically tell victims they are investigating a fraud case, offer to help recover money from previous scams, or claim the victim's identity has been compromised and needs to be verified. The scammers then request personal information, banking details, Social Insurance Numbers, or demand payment of fees to 'process' recovery claims or 'secure' accounts. Some use sophisticated tactics such as caller ID spoofing to make it appear the call is coming from a legitimate government number, professional-looking emails with fake government logos, and high-pressure tactics. It is critical to know: The CAFC NEVER initiates contact with individuals to request money, investigate individual cases directly, ask for personal or financial information over the phone or email, or charge fees to recover funds. The CAFC is an information collection and referral service. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the CAFC and asks for money or personal information, it is a scam. Hang up immediately and report the incident to the real CAFC.