Prevention and Awareness

This November, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reminds Canadians that fraud awareness is an 
essential part of financial literacy. The theme for Financial Literacy Month 2025 ‘’Let’s Talk Money’’ 
encourages open and honest conversations about money, including how to prevent fraud. Fraudsters 
target all age groups, from students and job seekers to seniors managing retirement income. Open 
family discussions about money and fraud can protect loved ones from falling victim. 

Fraudsters often use urgency, fear and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into making quick 
financial decisions. Talking about these tactics helps Canadians recognize the red flags before acting. 
Families are encouraged to share experiences, set money safety rules and verify any unexpected 
requests for funds before sending money. Financial literacy isn’t just about managing money; it’s about 
protecting it. 

How to Protect Yourself:

• Talk before acting. Verify large transfers, job offers, or investment opportunities with a trusted person
• Never pay unexpected fees or bills with cryptocurrency, gift cards or e-transfers
• Confirm requests for money using verified contact information
• Never provide personal information to a caller without verifying their identity after making the 
  outgoing communication via official channels (e.g. official phone number)
• Be cautious with links and attachments in text messages and emails
• Visit the CAFC website for more information on all types of fraud

This November, the CAFC wants to highlight the excellent work being done by the Canadian Anti-Scam 
Coalition which unites public, private, and law enforcement partners to strengthen Canada’s collective 
defence against fraud. Guided by the slogan “STOP, CHECK, TALK”, the coalition encourages Canadians 
to pause before acting, verify information, and talk to someone they trust when faced with suspicious 
requests. This message ties directly to FLM2025’s “Let’s Talk Money” theme which reminds everyone 
that protecting your money starts with a conversation. 
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should: 
• Report it to their local police 
• Report it on the new Report Cybercrime and Fraud website or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If 
not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.
• Visit the CAFC’s What to do if you’re a victim page

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The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) continues to receive reports about employment frauds. Victims 
are being solicited with fraudulent job offers through text message, WhatsApp, email, Messenger, and 
social media ads. These job offers may use the names of real companies but are fake. Victims are tricked 
into making deposits or sending cryptocurrency and are unable to recover their money. 

Overall reported losses to employment fraud have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2022, Canadians 
reported $7.3 million in losses. This increased to $49 million in 2024. Unfortunately, the trend is 
continuing in 2025. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, victims have already reported $46.5 million in 
losses. These numbers show that job fraud is growing quickly, and fraudsters are targeting more 
Canadians than ever before.

***New Variation*** Web Surveys and Online or “E-Commerce” Store Jobs

Fraudsters offering fake work-from-home jobs that involve running online stores or completing web 
surveys. These offers often appear in social media ads, text messages or through messages on 
WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Messenger or TikTok. 
Victims are promised easy income, small commissions, and flexible work. At first, the tasks look simple, 
and the platform shows fake earnings to build trust. Victims may even receive a small initial payout. But 
soon, they are asked to make deposits to continue. 

Online Store Jobs: Victims are told to register for a fake online store or e-commerce platform. They are 
asked to “process orders”, “approve transactions” or “manage inventory”. They are promised 
commissions for every completed order. As victims continue, the system begins requesting larger 
deposits to “upgrade the account”, “fix order errors”, or “unlock higher commissions”. 

Web Survey Jobs: Victims are asked to complete paid online surveys. After completing a few simple 
surveys, the platform claims there are issues and asks for deposits to continue. Victims see a rising fake 
balance on the screen, but they are unable to withdraw any funds. They are pressured to finish more 
surveys and to pay to unlock the next level. 
Victims often realize it’s fraud only when the deposit amounts become too large or when the platform 
blocks withdrawals.

Boosting Products or “Online Tasks” Variation

Using the names of real companies in Canada, the fraudsters are offering victims freelance job 
opportunities to “boost” products, apps or videos using software created by the fraudsters. After the 
victim installs the software and creates an account, they receive “orders” or “tasks” they have to 
complete. Victims might receive a small payment or commission in order to convince them that the job 
is legitimate. Victims can earn higher commissions or “move up a level” by boosting more products or 
videos but need to pay fees to gain access to the additional work. 

Victims deposit their funds into crypto accounts or wallets. Victims may also be asked to recruit other 
victims to increase their earnings. Like crypto investment frauds, victims will see funds in their crypto 
account but will not have the ability to withdraw the funds they have deposited and earned.

Warning Signs

• A company uses a web-based email instead of an official business domain.
• You receive a job offer you did not apply for.
• You are asked to join a platform, download software, or complete simple tasks for fast money.
• The job requires upfront deposits, “upgrade fees,” or “unlock payments.”
• You see a balance on the website or app but cannot withdraw it.
• You are asked to recruit others.
• You are asked to receive or forward money through your bank account.
• The offer promises high pay for minimal work.

How to Protect Yourself

• Take time before responding to unknown job messages.
• Verify the company’s official website and call their official phone number.
• Never send deposits or pay fees for a job.
• Avoid downloading unknown software or apps.
• Do not share personal information or ID documents with unverified contacts.
• Be careful when sending cryptocurrency; in most cases, it cannot be reversed.

Anyone who suspects they have been the target of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local 
police. Also visit the Report Cybercrime and Fraud website to report online or by phone at 1-888-495-
8501.

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