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Lorena Smalley

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

At Westend Seniors Activity Centre, we care about the well-being and safety of our members and the community and we believe staying informed plays a vital role in healthy aging.  That’s why we’re partnering with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to share their latest news and updates, helping you stay informed and protected from fraud.

Check back regularly for new information and resources!

What is the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre?

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is a national police service that works to prevent and investigate fraud across Canada. It is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Competition Bureau Canada, and the Ontario Provincial Police. The CAFC provides a safe and secure way for citizens and businesses to report fraud, learn about different types of fraud, and get tips on how to protect themselves.

Visit CAFC website

CAFC BULLETIN

 

2025-10-01
CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Get Cyber Safe – for future you. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so are tactics fraudsters use to exploit Canadians. The Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre (CAFC) would like to remind Canadians that cyber security isn’t only about protecting your devices; it’s also about protecting yourself from fraud. By learning how criminals operate and taking simple steps today, you can build strong cyber habits that will safeguard your money, your identity, and your future. This week, we are looking at protecting yourself from investment fraud. While investing can be a smart way to plan for the future, criminals exploit Canadians through promises of guaranteed returns, risk-free crypto investment platforms, and by using fake endorsements.

About Investment and Crypto Investment Fraud:

  • Fraudsters use social media ads, text messages, emails, and fake trading platforms to lure Canadians into sending money.
  • They may impersonate politicians, celebrities, financial advisors, or government agencies to gain trust.
  • Once money is sent, it’s often transferred overseas and is very difficult to recover.

How to Protect Yourself from Investment Fraud:

  • Be suspicious of any investment with “guaranteed” or “risk-free” returns.
  • Never send money based on pressure or urgency.
  • Verify if the investment companies are registered with your Provincial Securities Agency or the National Registration Search Tool.
  • Prior to investing, ask for information on the investment. Research the team behind the offering and analyze the feasibility of the project.
  • Be wary of individuals met on dating or social media who attempt to educate and convince you to invest into cryptocurrency.
  • Beware of fraudsters asking you to open and fund new crypto accounts. They will direct you to send it to wallets they control.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.

Don’t fall victim to online scams! Read the full bulletin for valuable guidance on staying safe online. 

Read the full bulletin here

Joint Advisory: Cyber officials warn Canadians of malicious campaign to impersonate high-profile public figures

June 23, 2025 | Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) | Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)

Cyber security officials in the Government of Canada are warning Canadians about a spike in malicious cyber activity, where threat actors are using text and AI-generated voice messages impersonating senior officials and prominent public figures to steal money and information.Canadian authorities have become aware of a malicious cyber campaign targeting business executives and senior public officials. A threat actor is sending malicious links or urgent financial requests using messaging accounts and voice calls that claim to be from senior government officials. In some cases, they are using AI to mimic the officials’ voices to make the calls more convincing.The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, a part of the Communications Security Establishment Canada, and its partners have been tracking and monitoring how AI is improving the personalization and persuasiveness of social engineering attacks worldwide for months. The FBI also alerted the public to this threat in April 2025. Canadian officials have recently become aware of similar tactics targeting Canadians in a related or linked campaign.

 

Learn how to protect yourself

2025 Show Me the Fraud Toolkit

We are excited to share the 2025 Show Me the Fraud Toolkit created by the CAFC. This resource is designed to support fraud awareness efforts by providing educational materials and messaging to help protect Canadians from fraud.

The toolkit includes:

  • New technology and fraud
  • Most common frauds and statistics
  • Warning signs and how to protect yourself
  • Be cyber secure and fraud aware checklists

We encourage you to use and share these resources with your networks to assist with the collective fight against fraud.

Download the toolkit now