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FROM: Financial Crime Services DATE: March 3, 2025
Anti-Rackets Branch
Serious Fraud Office

THE MASKS OF FRAUD: OPP LAUNCHES FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH 2025

Campaign empowers Canadians to recognize, reject and report fraud

(OTTAWA, ON) - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch and Serious Fraud Office are launching the 2025 Fraud Prevention Month campaign, "The Masks of Fraud." This year's campaign reveals the deceptive techniques used to commit fraud in today's digital age. It aims to equip Canadians with the information, tools and strategies they need to recognize, reject and report fraud.

In 2024, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received fraud reports totaling $642 million in victim losses, surpassing the previous record of $578 million in 2023. Cyber-Enabled fraud accounted for 75 per cent of reported losses, reflecting the increasing sophistication of online crime. Law enforcement agencies, including the OPP and CAFC, are strengthening partnerships with the private sector to combat these evolving threats through prevention, detection and enforcement.

While many incidents go unreported, 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.

According to the CAFC, the five most common frauds impacting Canadians were:

• Investment fraud represented $310 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $102.7 million.

• Spear phishing fraud (Business Email Compromise) represented $67.2 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $39.5 million.

• Romance fraud represented $58.4 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $19 million.

• Job scam represented $47.1 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $14.8 million.

• Extortion fraud represented $21 million in reported losses in 2024. Ontario victims reported losing more than $6.8 million.

Quote:
"Fraud is constantly evolving, and our collective response must evolve with it. By working with partners in law enforcement, industry and the community, we are strengthening fraud prevention, supporting victims and holding those responsible accountable. Fraud Prevention Month is an opportunity for everyone to learn how to recognize the signs of fraud and take action to protect themselves and others."
- Detective Superintendent Mike Bickerton, OPP
Take Action

• Raise awareness throughout March 2025. Follow the OPP and its law enforcement partners on social media for fraud prevention tips, bulletins and resources.

• Join the conversation. Watch live chats and events featuring the OPP, CAFC and industry partners on the OPP's X and Facebook channels.

For more information on fraud prevention, visit opp.ca and sfo.opp.ca

If you suspect fraud or have been a victim, report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online via the Fraud Reporting System.

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Contact:
Detective Constable John Armit
OPP Anti-Rackets Branch
john.armit@opp.ca
Ph: 613-299-8543

Detective Constable Lisa Cruz or
Acting Detective Sergeant Erin Fraser
Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
SFOmedia@ontariosfo.ca

Canada.ca Competition Bureau Canada
Fraud Prevention Month to focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud
From: Competition Bureau Canada

News release
Canadians lost over $638 million to fraud in 2024

February 28, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

With technologies like AI, fraudsters are constantly adapting their tricks to avoid being detected. This is why the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Competition Bureau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), are teaming up again this March to fight fraud for the 21st edition of Fraud Prevention Month (FPM).

Data from the CAFC shows that Canadians lost a staggering $638 million to fraud in 2024. Reported losses to the CAFC since 2021 have now surpassed $2 billion. Despite this rise in financial losses, the rate of frauds being reported remains low, with only 5% to 10% reported.

This year's campaign will focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud. Impersonation fraud happens when fraudsters pretend to be trusted organizations, websites, and even another person to deceive people into their scams. This can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and other serious consequences.

The FPM campaign aims to equip Canadians with the tools to recognize, reject, and report fraud.

Every year, over 80 organizations across Canada work together to ensure that fraud prevention is top of mind for consumers and businesses. This March, Canadians can join the fight by using #FPM2025 to stay informed about the latest news on fraud.

Quotes
“Fraudsters are using sophisticated technology to create scams that feel more real than ever. It's important for Canadians to trust their instincts and question unexpected calls or messages. The more we learn about their tactics, the less chance criminals have to defraud us."

Matthew Boswell,
Commissioner of Competition

“Anyone, anywhere, at any time can be a victim of fraud. Some victims may feel helpless, isolated or even embarrassed, but know that if you've been targeted, you're not alone. Reporting the incident is the best way to help with the fight against fraudsters and could help some one else from becoming a victim."

Chris Lynam,
RCMP's Director General of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and National Cybercrime Coordination Centre

Quick facts
In 2024, the top three most reported types of fraud were identity fraud, service fraud, and investment fraud – all designed to get you to pay or give away sensitive information like your social insurance number, passwords or banking details. The top three frauds reported with the highest level of financial impact were investment frauds, spear phishing, and romance scams.

In 2023, the CAFC received 108,878 reports which included at least 34,621 victims of fraud.

The CAFC is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraud, contact your local police service to report the crime and also report it to the CAFC online or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. If a financial loss did not occur, still report it to the CAFC.

If you have information about deceptive marketing practices, report it to the Competition Bureau. Your reports are essential to identify links, catch criminals, and prevent further frauds.

Associated links
Fraud Prevention Month
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Competition Bureau Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Ontario Provincial Police - Fraud
Contacts
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
media@antifraudcentre.ca

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
613-843-5999
RCMP.HQMediaRelations-DGRelationsmedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Competition Bureau
media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

General information:
Request for information | Complaint form

FROM: Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment DATE: February 28, 2025

Fraud Prevention Month to Focus on Impersonation Fraud

(MIDLAND,ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are continuing to raise the awareness for North Simcoe residents of the various scams that they may encounter on the telephone or online.

With technologies like AI, fraudsters are constantly adapting their tricks to avoid being detected. This is why the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Competition Bureau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), are teaming up again this March to fight fraud for the 21st edition of Fraud Prevention Month (FPM).

Data from the CAFC shows that Canadians lost a staggering $638 million to fraud in 2024. Reported losses to the CAFC since 2021 have now surpassed $2 billion. Despite this rise in financial losses, the rate of frauds being reported remains low, with only 5% to 10% reported.
This year's campaign will focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud. Impersonation fraud happens when fraudsters pretend to be trusted organizations, websites, and even another person to deceive people into their scams. This can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and other serious consequences.
The FPM campaign aims to equip Canadians with the tools to recognize, reject, and report fraud.

Every year, over 80 organizations across Canada work together to ensure that fraud prevention is top of mind for consumers and businesses. This March, Canadians can join the fight by using #FPM2025 to stay informed about the latest news on fraud.
Please view the following link for the entire CAFC document.

Fraud Prevention Month to focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud - Canada.ca

CAFC Team
partners@antifraudcentre.ca
Fraud: Recognize. Reject. Report.
#kNOwFraud
Follow us on Twitter (@canantifraud) and Facebook (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)
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Media Officer
Provincial Constable David Hobson

FROM/DE: Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment DATE: February 28, 2025

Southern Georgian Bay OPP Introduce Body Worn Cameras

(MIDLAND, ON)- The Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are rolling out new technology to their front-line officers.

After a successful roll out of In Car Cameras (ICC) which incorporated an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, the Southern Georgian Bay OPP along with other detachments within Central Region, are starting to roll out their next piece of technology in the form of Body Worn Cameras (BWC).

The implementation of BWCs provides one more tool for the OPP to enable the collection of better evidence, demonstrate greater accountability and transparency, and enhance public and officer safety in the communities we serve.

The BWCs are worn on the front of the officer's vest and are clearly visible to anyone an officer may be interacting with. The BWC will display a visible ring of flashing green lights when in standby mode which will turn to flashing red lights once the BWC begins recording.

Officers are currently being trained on the use of the new technology and are being outfitted with their BWC upon the completion of their training. The full rollout for the detachment is anticipated by early spring however officers who have received their training will begin use of the BWCs immediately.

To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety, the OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssdm.com , on X or Facebook or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Media Officer

Provincial Constable David Hobson

///relations.fatigue.appraise

T-705-733-5440 E- david.hobson@opp.ca

Social Media OPP Central Region X / OPP Central Region Facebook / OPP Central Region Instagram

Learn more about the CAMSafe program and to register security cameras please visit https://camsafe.ca/

FROM: Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment DATE: February 15, 2025

OPP AND CAFC PARTNER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF ROMANCE AND RELATIONSHIP TYPE FRAUDS

(MIDLAND,ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are continuing to raise the awareness for North Simcoe residents of the various scams that they may encounter on the telephone or online.

Every year around Valentine's Day, fraudsters are on the look-out for unsuspecting victims who are looking for love and/or companionship.

Romance variation

Victims are typically contacted on dating websites or social media, it is common for suspects to use real pictures found on social media of real people (ie. business people, members of the military, family photos), pet photos and hobbies. Fraudsters quickly profess their love to gain their victims' trust, affection, and money. Once a connection is made victims will be asked to switch to a different method of communication such as WhatsApp, Signal and others. This type of fraud relies heavily on victim emotions and may last for months, years, or until the victim has nothing left to give. The fraudsters will never end up repaying the victim and continue to make empty promises while asking for more money.

Common reasons fraudsters request money:

• a personal/family emergency,

• claims they have no access to their existing funds,

• unexpected business expenses, legal expenses or professional fees,

• investing in a new business and they need the victims' help, and

• travel fees to return home.

Some recent variations include the use conversational attacks where fraudsters send random text messages to victims. The messages often read "where are you?", "where have you been?" or something similar. Once the victim responds, a conversation is started and the fraudster attempts to build a relationship with the victim.

Relationship investment fraud

In these cases, fraudsters develop a relationship with the victim and convince them to invest into a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform with the promise of large monetary returns. In fact, fraudsters may even let the victim cash out some of their investment returns only to get them to invest a larger amount. Suspects will "coach" victims on how to invest in their fraudulent crypto currency platforms. Unfortunately, once the victim requests to withdraw their investment, they are unable to do so.

New variation

A newer variation being reported is often referred to as "approval phishing". While "approval phishing" has existed for some time now, more recently this fraud tactic is being adopted by fraudsters engaged in romance and relationship frauds. Suspects develop a relationship with the victims and convince them to invest into crypto, they are then deceived into granting access to their cryptocurrency accounts by those posing as trusted services. After being coached on how to acquire cryptocurrency such as Etherium or Tron, a fake request is sent by fraudsters that appears to come from the crypto service, asking the user to "approve" access to their wallet. By clicking "approve," the individual unknowingly gives control of their funds to the third party. The fake requests closely mimic legitimate apps and services, making them look authentic to the user. In some cases, victims may receive a transfer request asking them to click on a link to accept and victims may unknowingly be providing the "approval" to access their wallet.

Warning signs

Beware of:

• profiles that seem too perfect

• someone you haven't met in person professes their love to you

• a suspect that tries to move communication to a more private or different method of communication (email, text, social media platform, etc.)

• any attempts to meet in person get cancelled or there's always an excuse to not meet-up

• a person who discourages you from talking about them to friends and family

• a suspect acting distressed or angry to force you into sending more money

• poorly written messages or messages addressed to the wrong name

• an individual who "introduces" you to their family on social media to legitimize the relationship

• Someone offering to "coach" you on crypto investing

• Emails appearing to be from your crypto service provider asking you to click on links

• Get rich quick investment opportunities

• Be wary of individuals met on dating sites or social media who attempt to educate and convince you to invest into crypto currency

How to protect yourself

• Don't give out your personal information (name, address, DOB, SIN, banking credentials)

• Don't accept friend requests from people you do not know

• Don't invest your money in platforms provided by people you don't know

• Never send money to someone you haven't met

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts

• Beware of fraudsters asking you to open and fund new crypto accounts, they will direct you to send it to wallets they control - Don't!

• If you have granted a suspect access to your crypto account, follow the OPP's checklist to revoke the token approval

• Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the CAFC's online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

CAFC Team

partners@antifraudcentre.ca

Fraud: Recognize. Reject. Report.

#kNOwFraud

Follow us on Twitter (@canantifraud) and Facebook (Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre)