You are not alone
Fewer than 5–10% of fraud cases are ever reported to the CAFC. Many victims stay silent out of shame or fear that family will take over their finances. Reporting helps protect the next person. It does not mean you were foolish.
Five calm steps. In order.
- Stop all contactHang up. Do not reply to texts or emails. Do not click any more links. You owe a scammer nothing.
- Call your bank and credit card companiesUse the number on the back of your card, not a number from the scammer. Ask them to freeze accounts and flag recent transactions.
- Change passwordsStart with email and online banking. If you reused a password anywhere else, change it there too.
- Report itCanadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Also contact your local police.
- Tell someone you trustA friend, family member, or caregiver. You do not have to carry this alone.
Why reporting matters
Statistics Canada finds only about 11% of fraud victims report to police. Among Canadians 65–74, that rises to 14%; among those 75+, 21%. Every report helps authorities spot patterns, warn others, and in some cases recover funds.
Who to call in Canada
| Who | When to call | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Your bank / credit union | Immediately if money moved or info shared | Number on back of your card |
| Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | Any fraud attempt or loss | 1-888-495-8501 |
| Local police | If money was lost or identity stolen | Non-emergency line for your area |
| Credit bureaus (Equifax / TransUnion) | If personal info was compromised | Place a fraud alert on your file |
Three reasons people do not report
- Shame: Victims fear being judged. Scammers are professionals. Falling for a scam is not a character flaw.
- Fear of losing independence: Worry that family will take over finances. Reporting to the CAFC does not trigger that on its own.
- Not recognising the fraud: Some victims, especially with cognitive changes, may not realise what happened. Family and staff can help file a report.
Sources: CAFC 2024 Annual Statistical Report; Statistics Canada GSS 2023; Safeguard Senior elder-fraud-canada-report (May 2026).