March is fraud prevention month, and the OPP’s anti-rackets branch and serious fraud office are launching a campaign called the ‘Masks of Fraud’.
The campaign will help reveal deceptive techniques used to commit fraud in today’s digital age, according to the provincial police, with an aim to equip Canadians with information, tools and strategies to recognize, reject and report fraud.
Fraud totalling $642 million in victim losses were reported last year to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), with 75 per cent of those cyber-enabled.
The five most common frauds impacting Canadians are investment fraud, spear phishing fraud, romance fraud, job scams and extortion fraud.
Many incidents go unreported, however, the OPP and CAFC continue to encourage individuals and businesses to report fraud. Reporting helps identify crime patterns, support investigations, and prevent others from falling victim.
Investment fraud represented $310 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $102.7 million.
