Fraud has become a local and global problem – that’s one of OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s key messages this month.
March marks Fraud Prevention Month, and the two organizations are now highlighting how fraud often crosses borders and operates as organized crime rather isolated incidents or victimless offences.
According to the centre, in 2025 alone, Canadians reported losing more than $704 million to fraud – and yet, this is estimated to be only five to 10 per cent of the reported frauds.
According to OPP, many scams targeting Canadians are run by organized criminal groups operating in several countries.
“By using technology, social media and online platforms, fraudsters can reach victims almost anywhere,” explained police. “What may appear to be a personal or local scam is often part of a larger international operation.”
In a recent OPP release, it states that in 2025 the CAFC documented victim payments being sent to 3,019 unique bank accounts across 46 different countries.
“The top 10 locations receiving these payments were Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands.”
The international nature of fraud has drawn attention from law enforcement agencies and organizations around the world that continue to work together to address the growing threat, stressed police, noting that fraud networks often rely on international systems and cross-border operations, making global co-operation essential to disrupting these crimes.
However, everyday citizens can also do their part to help – because in today’s interconnected world, anyone can be a target and there’s a growing recognition that collective action is needed, said police.
Before sending money to someone you do not know, police are urging residents to remember to:
- Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts, emails or online messages, even if they appear professional or urgent.
- Fraudsters often pretend to represent trusted organizations, businesses, government agencies or even romantic partners.
- Never send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards or personal information to someone you have not verified.
- Requests for secrecy or pressure to act quickly are common warning signs of fraud.
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
“Reducing fraud starts with awareness. Together, we can protect our community,” said OPP.
Anyone who suspects they’ve been a victim of fraud or cybercrime is urged to report it to police at 1-888-310-1122 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
