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Fraud Prevention Resources for Seniors

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, a time to learn how to recognize scams and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Fraud and scams affect thousands of Canadians each year. Older adults are often targeted because fraudsters may believe seniors are more trusting, have savings or may live alone. Learning about common scams and knowing what to do can help protect you and your loved ones.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) receives tens of thousands of fraud reports every year. Scammers often pretend to be family members, government officials, or financial institutions and use advanced technology that that can make scams harder to recognize. Losses reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Many cases are never reported.

Fraud can happen to anyone. If you have been targeted, you are not alone.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Scammers often try to create fear or urgency. They may pretend to be someone you trust or claim there is an emergency. The scammers often sound authentic and legitimate.

Common scams include:

  • Grandparent or emergency scams (including fake phone calls using AI voice tools)
  • Romance scams
  • Investment and cryptocurrency scams
  • Bank investigator scams
  • Identity theft and phishing emails or texts
  • Parcel delivery text scams
  • Home improvement or door-to-door sales scams
  • Government impersonation scams (for example, someone pretending to be from CRA or Service Canada)

Read about current scam alerts on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not share your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking details, passwords or security codes.
  • Government agencies will not ask for payment using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
  • Be cautious if someone pressures you to act right away.
  • Hang up and call back using an official phone number you find yourself from a trusted source.
  • Speak with a trusted family member or friend before sending money.
  • Use call blocking and email spam filters when possible.

If something feels wrong, pause and check before you act.

How to Tell if a Call or Email is a Scam

Be cautious if someone:

  • Contacts you unsolicited
  • Creates urgency or fear
  • Asks for money in gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • Requests personal information
  • Refuses to let you hang up and call back

When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization using an official phone number.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

Take these steps right away:

  1. Stop all contact with the person.
  2. Contact your bank or credit union if money was sent or your account was accessed.
  3. Report the incident to:
    • Your local police
    • The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (report online or call 1-888-495-8501)

Even if you did not lose money, reporting helps protect others.

Helpful Resources

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides:

  • Current scam alerts
  • Fraud prevention tips
  • Online reporting tools
  • Annual fraud statistics

Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website to view scam alerts and report fraud.

Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police offers a free Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security. It covers:

  • Fraud prevention
  • Elder abuse awareness
  • Personal safety

Download the RCMP Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security (PDF).

Get Cyber Safe

Get Cyber Safe is a national public awareness campaign about online safety.

Visit Get Cyber Safe for tips on online safety, including:

  • Creating strong passwords
  • Using two-factor authentication
  • Protecting your devices

Consumer Protection BC

Consumer Protection BC shares scam alerts and consumer advice.

Visit Consumer Protection BC for information about frauds and scams in British Columbia.

BC Securities Commission

The BC Securities Commission provides information about investment fraud.

Visit the BC Securities Commission website to:

  • Learn how investment scams work
  • Check if a person or company is registered to sell investments in B.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a call or email is a scam?

Be cautious if someone:

  • Contacts you unexpectedly
  • Creates urgency or fear
  • Asks for money in gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • Requests personal information
  • Refuses to let you hang up and call back

When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization using an official phone number.

What should I do if I sent money?

Contact your bank or credit union right away. Then report the fraud to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Acting quickly may reduce further loss.

Can I recover money lost to a scam?

Recovery depends on the type of payment and how quickly you act. Your financial institution can advise you.

Reporting the scam helps authorities investigate.

Why should I report a scam if I did not lose money?

Reporting helps track fraud trends and warn others. It may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Stay Informed

Scams change often. Review trusted websites regularly and talk openly with family and friends about fraud prevention.

If you are unsure about a message, call, or email, pause and verify before taking action.

Last Updated: March 2026