Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Impersonation
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is continuing to see an increase in reports of fraudsters impersonating the CAFC as part of fraud/bank investigator and recovery frauds.
Fraudsters may contact victims by phone, email or social media claiming to be from the CAFC or working with the CAFC as part of an ongoing investigation. They may use the CAFC's name, logo or fake documents to appear legitimate.
Fraud/Bank Investigator Fraud
Fraudsters may claim to be a fraud investigator from your bank, a major credit card provider or another well-known business. They may tell you there are unauthorized transactions on your account or that your banking information has been compromised.
To convince you the investigation is legitimate, they may claim they are working with the CAFC. Some fraudsters send fake letters or emails using the CAFC's logo and provide fraudulent contact information for victims to communicate with them.
They may ask you to:
- provide your debit or credit card information
- transfer money to a "safe" account
- send money to assist with an investigation
- keep the investigation confidential
These requests are fraudulent. Once money is sent, it is often difficult or impossible to recover.
Recovery Fraud
If you have previously lost money to fraud, you may be targeted again by someone claiming they can recover your funds.
Fraudsters may pretend to represent the CAFC, law enforcement or another government agency. They may claim they have located your money or are conducting an investigation and need your assistance to recover your funds.
To appear legitimate, they may send fake documents using the CAFC's logo or claim the CAFC is investigating your case.
They may ask you to pay:
- administrative fees
- taxes or legal costs
- security deposits
- cryptocurrency or wire transfer fees
If someone asks you to pay money to recover money you have already lost, it is a fraud.
Protect yourself
The CAFC and police will never:
- ask you to transfer money or make a payment
- ask for remote access to your computer or device
- ask for your banking information, passwords or verification codes
- ask you to participate in an investigation by sending money
If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from your bank or the CAFC:
- hang up the phone
- contact your financial institution using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card
- never use the phone number, email address or website provided by the caller
- if you are unsure, contact the CAFC directly using the contact information available on the official Government of Canada website
If you believe you have been targeted by one of these frauds, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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