Frauds reported across Canada that affect everyday households, in plain language. Each alert names its source and gives you one practical step to take.
Alerts
Category: Investment fraudRegion: British Columbia
Online crypto investment ad costs B.C. resident $120,000
RCMP say a Parksville-Qualicum Beach resident lost $120,000 after responding to an online ad promising high cryptocurrency returns, then mailing a bank draft to a U.S. address they never got access to. Police say a quick internet search of the company name is often enough to reveal it's a scam.
What to do: It's always okay to research an investment before sending money — search the company name plus "scam" or "review," and only invest through institutions you already know.
'Blessing scam' losses in Vancouver more than double this year
Vancouver police say fraudsters are approaching elderly residents, mostly in the Chinese community, claiming a family member is in spiritual danger unless valuables are 'blessed.' Victims are convinced to hand over cash and jewellery, which is secretly swapped for worthless items. Losses have already passed $300,000 this year, more than in all of 2025.
What to do: It's always okay to say no and walk away. No stranger can 'bless' your money or jewellery — if someone asks you to hand over valuables, call 911.
Fake bank and police calls tricked Vancouver residents into transfers
Vancouver police warned that scammers are working in pairs — one posing as a bank investigator, the other as a senior VPD officer — to convince people their bank account is compromised and talk them into transferring money to cryptocurrency accounts. Both calls use spoofed numbers that look genuine on caller ID.
What to do: Hang up. Banks and police never ask for your passwords or for you to move money — call your bank back on the number printed on your card.
Paste the text, call details or link into the free Scam Checker (Beta) — an AI-assisted educational screening tool that flags warning signs and helps you decide what to verify before acting.
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