Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The most common scams targeting Ottawa residents in 2025 are CRA impersonation calls, rental deposit fraud on Kijiji/Facebook, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment schemes. Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or Ottawa Police.
Ottawa residents lost millions to fraud in 2024, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports over $638 million lost nationally in 2024. Protect yourself by never sending money via gift cards, verifying all requests independently, and checking Competition Bureau Canada for known scams.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa residents face diverse fraud schemes including CRA impersonation, rental scams, grandparent scams, and cryptocurrency fraud. Know the red flags, verify all requests independently, and report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📊 Total Canadian Losses 2024 | $638 million reported |
| 📞 CAFC Hotline | 1-888-495-8501 |
| 🚨 Most Costly Scam | Investment fraud ($484 million) |
| 👴 Vulnerable Groups | Seniors, newcomers, job seekers |
| ⏰ Hotline Hours | Mon-Fri, 9 AM-4:45 PM ET |
CRA and Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams remain one of the most prevalent fraud types affecting Ottawa residents. Scammers pose as representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, or other government agencies to create fear and urgency in their targets.
These fraudsters use multiple contact methods including phone calls, text messages, and emails. The scammer typically claims you owe back taxes, have committed tax fraud, or need to update your Social Insurance Number immediately. They create a sense of urgency by threatening arrest, deportation, or suspension of government benefits unless you pay immediately.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre emphasizes that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The real CRA will never threaten you with arrest over the phone, ask for payment via Bitcoin or iTunes gift cards, or request your social insurance number via email.
Red flags include aggressive threatening language, demands for immediate payment, requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, caller ID showing a government agency number (which can be spoofed), and pressure to not discuss the call with family or friends.
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the CRA, hang up immediately. If you’re concerned about your tax status, contact the CRA directly using the phone number on their official website or your previous correspondence. Never use contact information provided by the caller. Save voicemails and record details like phone numbers, names given, and amounts requested—this information helps investigators track fraud networks.
Rental Scams: The Ottawa Housing Crisis Trap
Ottawa’s competitive rental market has created fertile ground for scammers targeting desperate apartment hunters. With vacancy rates remaining low and demand exceeding supply, fraudsters exploit the urgency of renters searching for affordable housing.
The typical rental scam involves fake listings on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or even legitimate rental websites. Scammers steal photos from real property listings or vacation rental sites, then post them with attractive prices—usually 20-30% below market rates for desirable neighbourhoods like Centretown, the Glebe, or Westboro.
The fraudster claims to be out of the country or unavailable for in-person viewings, offering excuses like being on military deployment, working overseas, or caring for a sick relative. They request first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit before allowing any viewing. Once the money is sent via Interac e-Transfer, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, the “landlord” disappears and the victim discovers the property was never actually available.
In 2024, Ottawa Police received numerous reports of rental scams, with some victims losing $2,000 to $5,000 in deposits. The emotional toll compounds the financial loss, as victims not only lose their money but must restart their housing search while dealing with the stress and embarrassment of being scammed.
Warning signs include prices significantly below market rates, landlords who refuse in-person viewings or video calls, requests for deposits before seeing the property, poor grammar and spelling in communications, pressure to “act fast” before someone else takes the unit, and requests for payment through untraceable methods.
Protect yourself by always viewing properties in person before sending any money. Research the property address using Google Street View and cross-reference listings on multiple platforms. Request video calls with the landlord if they claim to be out of town. Use reverse image search on property photos to check if they’ve been stolen from other listings. Never send deposits via wire transfer or cryptocurrency—legitimate landlords accept standard payment methods and provide receipts.
Phone and Text Phishing Scams
Phishing scams have evolved far beyond the obvious “Nigerian prince” emails of the past. Modern phishing attacks use sophisticated social engineering tactics delivered through phone calls and text messages that appear remarkably legitimate.
SMS phishing, or “smishing,” has exploded in 2024-2025. Ottawa residents report receiving text messages claiming to be from Canada Post, Purolator, banks, or even their own mobile providers. These messages typically inform you of a missed package delivery, suspicious account activity, or an urgent security issue requiring immediate action.
The messages include links that lead to convincing fake websites designed to steal your login credentials, credit card information, or personal data. These fraudulent sites often perfectly mimic the real organization’s branding and layout, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate pages.
Voice phishing, or “vishing,” involves scammers calling and impersonating bank security departments, tech support, or law enforcement. They may use caller ID spoofing to make it appear the call is coming from a trusted organization. The scammer creates urgency by claiming your account has been compromised, suspicious transactions have been detected, or your computer is infected with malware.
A particularly insidious variant is the “Hi Mom” or “Hi Dad” scam, where fraudsters text parents claiming to be their child with a new phone number. They explain they’ve lost their phone and need money urgently for an emergency. The emotional manipulation leads many parents to send money immediately without verifying the story.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that spear phishing and business email compromise scams cost Canadians $72 million in 2024. These targeted attacks research victims beforehand to create highly personalized and convincing messages.
Protection strategies include never clicking links in unsolicited texts or emails—instead, type the organization’s official website directly into your browser. If you receive a call about account issues, hang up and call the organization using the number on their official website or your bank card. Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts. Be skeptical of urgent requests for personal information or money. If a family member texts from a new number asking for money, verify their identity by calling their known number or asking personal questions only they would know.
Romance Scams: Heartbreak and Financial Devastation
Romance scams combine emotional manipulation with financial fraud, resulting in both heartbreak and significant monetary losses. These scams cost Canadians $60 million in 2024, with individual victims often losing tens of thousands of dollars over months or even years.
Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps, social media platforms, or even professional networking sites like LinkedIn. They invest considerable time building emotional connections with their targets, often spending weeks or months establishing trust before requesting money.
The fraudster crafts an appealing persona—often claiming to be a military member deployed overseas, an oil rig worker, a business professional, or a widowed doctor. They share romantic messages, express deep feelings quickly, and discuss plans for a future together. The relationship escalates rapidly, with declarations of love often coming within weeks.
Eventually, the scammer creates a crisis requiring financial assistance. Common scenarios include medical emergencies for themselves or a family member, business opportunities needing immediate investment, travel expenses to finally meet in person, customs fees for packages being sent to you, or temporary cash flow problems that prevent them from accessing their substantial wealth.
The requests start small but escalate over time. Victims send money repeatedly, believing they’re helping someone they love who will soon be with them. Payment methods typically involve wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services—all difficult to trace and impossible to recover.
A particularly devastating variant is the “pig butchering” scam, which combines romance fraud with investment fraud. The scammer builds a romantic relationship while also introducing the victim to a “lucrative investment opportunity” in cryptocurrency or forex trading. The victim sees apparent returns on a fake investment platform, encouraging them to invest more. When they try to withdraw funds, they discover everything was fake.
Warning signs include professing love very quickly, refusing to meet in person or video chat (excuses include military deployment, travel restrictions, or camera problems), asking for money or financial assistance, requesting payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency, avoiding personal questions or being vague about details, using generic romantic messages copied from the internet, and claiming to have substantial wealth but temporary access problems.
Protect yourself by being skeptical of romantic interests who refuse video calls, never sending money to someone you haven’t met in person, doing reverse image searches on profile photos, being wary of relationships that escalate unusually fast, and discussing new online relationships with trusted friends or family who can provide objective perspective.
If you realize you’ve been scammed, stop all contact immediately, document all communications and transactions, report the profile to the platform where you met, and file reports with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and local police. Consider seeking support from counselling services, as romance scam victims often experience significant emotional trauma beyond the financial loss.
Tech Support Scams: The Fake Fix
Tech support scams exploit people’s lack of technical knowledge and fear of computer problems. These scams cost Canadians millions annually and target people across all age groups, though seniors are particularly vulnerable.
The scam typically begins one of two ways. Either you receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent Microsoft, Apple, Norton, or another well-known tech company, stating they’ve detected viruses or security issues on your computer. Or you encounter a pop-up warning while browsing the internet claiming your computer is infected and providing a phone number to call for support.
The scammer uses technical jargon to sound legitimate and convincing. They may ask you to open legitimate Windows system tools that show normal system processes, then claim these indicate infections or problems. They create urgency by stating your banking information is at risk, your computer will crash completely, or hackers are accessing your data right now.
The fraudster then requests remote access to your computer using legitimate software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. Once they have access, they may install actual malware, steal personal files and passwords, or manipulate screens to make it appear your computer has serious problems requiring expensive “fixes.”
The financial component involves charging for unnecessary software, services, or subscriptions ranging from $200 to $500 or more. Some scammers access victims’ bank accounts while they have remote control of the computer, stealing money directly. In particularly cruel variations, they may later call back claiming they accidentally transferred you too much money and request you return the “overpayment”—though no actual transfer ever occurred.
Red flags include unsolicited calls about computer problems (legitimate tech companies never cold-call customers), pop-ups with phone numbers claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, requests for remote access to your computer, pressure to pay immediately to “fix” problems, and requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Protection measures include never calling phone numbers from pop-up warnings—close your browser instead, knowing that legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple never initiate contact about your computer, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, installing reputable antivirus software and keeping it updated, and being skeptical of urgent technical warnings.
If you’ve already granted a scammer remote access to your computer, immediately disconnect from the internet, run a full security scan with reputable antivirus software, change all passwords using a different device, monitor bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized transactions, and consider having a professional security assessment performed on your computer.
Emergency and Grandparent Scams: Preying on Love
Emergency scams, particularly grandparent scams, represent some of the most emotionally manipulative fraud schemes. These scams prey on the natural instinct to help family members in crisis, combining urgency with emotional appeals that override logical thinking.
In January 2025, Ottawa Police issued urgent warnings after four local seniors were defrauded of nearly $200,000 in grandparent scam cases. One victim alone lost $46,000 in a single incident. These cases demonstrate the devastating impact these scams have on Ottawa’s senior community.
The scam follows a predictable pattern. The victim receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild or other young relative. The caller, often with a muffled or distorted voice, claims they’re in serious trouble—arrested for drunk driving, involved in a car accident that injured someone, caught with drugs at an airport, or facing another legal emergency.
The caller begs the victim not to tell their parents or other family members, claiming they’re embarrassed or afraid of their reaction. This isolation tactic prevents victims from verifying the story with people who could identify the fraud.
Shortly after, another person calls claiming to be a lawyer, police officer, or bail bondsman. They provide specific details about the “case” and demand immediate payment for bail, legal fees, or to settle damages. They emphasize that time is critical—if payment isn’t made within hours, the grandchild will remain in jail, face deportation, or experience other dire consequences.
The scammers request payment through methods difficult to trace and recover: cash delivered by courier, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. A “courier” may arrive at the victim’s home to collect cash, adding apparent legitimacy to the scenario.
The emotional manipulation is sophisticated. Scammers research their targets through social media, learning grandchildren’s names and personal details to make the call more convincing. They create time pressure that prevents victims from thinking clearly or consulting others. The combination of love, fear, and urgency overwhelms rational decision-making.
Beyond grandparent scams, similar emergency fraud targets parents. The “virtual kidnapping” scam involves a frantic call claiming a family member has been kidnapped and demands ransom. The caller may play screaming or crying sounds in the background to heighten panic. They demand immediate payment through wire transfer or cryptocurrency, threatening harm if police are contacted.
Prevention requires family planning and communication. Establish a family code word that can verify someone’s identity during phone calls. Regularly discuss scam tactics with elderly family members so they recognize warning signs. If you receive an emergency call, stay calm and verify the story by hanging up and calling the family member directly on their known number. Ask questions only the real person would know—scammers rely on generic information. Be suspicious of requests to keep the situation secret from other family members. Never send money via courier, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency based on a phone call alone.
If an elderly family member has been victimized, be compassionate rather than critical—shame prevents many victims from reporting. Help them report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Ottawa Police. Consider implementing additional safeguards for their financial accounts. Connect them with victim support services that understand the emotional impact of these scams.
Investment and Cryptocurrency Fraud
Investment fraud represents the largest category of financial losses in Canada, accounting for $484 million of the $638 million total fraud losses reported in 2024. Cryptocurrency scams have become particularly prevalent, exploiting both the complexity of digital currencies and the fear of missing out on investment opportunities.
Modern investment scams are sophisticated and multi-faceted. Scammers create professional-looking websites for fake investment platforms, complete with charts, testimonials, and customer service representatives. They promise exceptional returns—often 15-30% monthly or even weekly—that far exceed what legitimate investments could provide.
The scam typically begins with contact through social media, particularly Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. The scammer may pose as a successful trader, financial advisor, or cryptocurrency expert. They share posts showing luxury lifestyles funded by their investment success, creating desire and FOMO (fear of missing out) in potential victims.
Initial investments are small, and the fake platform shows impressive returns. Victims can “withdraw” small amounts at first, building trust. The scammer encourages increasingly larger investments, sometimes introducing the “pig butchering” approach where they develop a friendship or romantic relationship alongside the investment pitch.
When victims attempt to withdraw significant amounts, problems suddenly emerge. The platform claims they need to pay taxes upfront, upgrade to a “premium account,” or pay insurance fees before accessing their funds. Each payment leads to new requirements. Eventually, the website disappears entirely, or victims are blocked from their accounts.
Cryptocurrency scams exploit the general public’s limited understanding of blockchain technology. Scammers claim they have insider knowledge about upcoming cryptocurrency launches, pump-and-dump schemes presented as legitimate opportunities, or access to exclusive pre-sale tokens that will increase dramatically in value.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency transactions are nearly impossible to reverse, making them ideal for scammers. The decentralized, largely unregulated nature of cryptocurrency markets means victims have minimal recourse for recovery.
Warning signs include guaranteed or exceptionally high returns (legitimate investments always carry risk), pressure to invest quickly before missing the opportunity, complex investment strategies that aren’t clearly explained, requests to recruit friends or family (pyramid scheme characteristics), platforms that charge fees to withdraw your own money, unsolicited investment opportunities through social media, and difficulty withdrawing funds or accessing your account.
Protection strategies include being skeptical of investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, researching any investment platform thoroughly and checking if they’re registered with legitimate regulatory bodies like the Canadian Securities Administrators, never investing based on social media recommendations from people you don’t know personally, understanding that legitimate investments don’t require you to pay taxes or fees before withdrawing your own money, consulting with licensed financial advisors before making significant investments, and recognizing that if it sounds too good to be true, it definitely is.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by investment fraud, stop all contact with the scammer immediately, do not send additional money regardless of threats or promises, document all communications, transactions, and platform screenshots, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police, contact your bank or cryptocurrency exchange to see if any transactions can be reversed (though this is unlikely), and report the scam to the Canadian Securities Administrators and the platform where you were initially contacted.
Online Marketplace Scams: Kijiji and Facebook Fraud
Online marketplace platforms like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace have revolutionized how Ottawans buy and sell goods locally, but they’ve also created new opportunities for fraud. These scams affect both buyers and sellers, with tactics ranging from simple payment fraud to elaborate schemes involving fake shipping companies.
Overpayment scams target people selling items on these platforms. A buyer contacts you about your listing and agrees to your asking price without negotiation. They claim they want to pay by check and will send a courier to pick up the item. When the check arrives, it’s for significantly more than the agreed price—sometimes thousands of dollars more. The buyer apologizes for the “error” and asks you to deposit the check and send back the difference via wire transfer or cryptocurrency. You deposit the check, send the difference, and days or weeks later discover the check was fraudulent. You’re now responsible for the full amount to your bank, and the scammer has disappeared with both your item and the money you sent.
Fake payment notification scams exploit Interac e-Transfer. The scammer sends what appears to be an Interac email notification that payment has been sent. However, the email is fake, designed to look like the real thing. Links in the email lead to phishing sites that steal your banking credentials. Always log into your bank directly through their official app or website rather than clicking links in payment notification emails.
Shipping scams involve buyers who insist on shipping items rather than local pickup, even for large items typically sold locally. They may claim to be in the military, working up north, or unable to travel. They offer to pay extra for shipping and ask you to use a specific shipping company—which turns out to be fake. You send the item but never receive payment. Alternatively, they may send fake tracking numbers or payment confirmations.
Too-good-to-be-true deals target buyers. Scammers post listings for high-demand items like electronics, vehicles, or concert tickets at prices well below market value. They create urgency with stories about needing to sell quickly due to moving, divorce, or financial hardship. They request payment through untraceable methods and either never send the item or send something completely different from what was advertised.
The rental deposit scam, already discussed in detail earlier, frequently appears on marketplace platforms. Fake landlords post attractive rental listings, collect deposits, and disappear.
QR code scams are an emerging threat in 2025. Scammers ask buyers to scan QR codes to “verify payment” or “confirm the transaction.” These codes link to malicious websites that install malware or steal banking information.
Protection for sellers includes accepting cash for in-person transactions whenever possible, meeting in safe public locations like police station parking lots (many Ottawa police stations have designated exchange zones), being suspicious of buyers who agree to your price without negotiation or questions, never accepting checks for more than the asking price, shipping only after payment has been verified and cleared in your bank account, and using only established, legitimate shipping companies that you select yourself.
Protection for buyers includes meeting sellers in person to inspect items before paying, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, using platform messaging systems to maintain a record of communications, researching seller profiles and being wary of new accounts, doing reverse image searches on product photos to check if they’re stolen from other listings, never sending money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, and trusting your instincts—if something feels off, walk away.
Both buyers and sellers should keep all communications, save screenshots of listings and conversations, verify identities when possible, and report suspicious activity to the platform and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
How to Report Fraud in Ottawa
Reporting fraud serves multiple critical purposes. It helps law enforcement track patterns and potentially apprehend scammers, prevents others from becoming victims, and contributes to national fraud statistics that inform public awareness campaigns and policy decisions. While reporting doesn’t guarantee recovery of lost funds, it’s an essential step in combating fraud.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is the primary national agency for reporting fraud. Located in Ottawa, the CAFC collects information on fraud and identity theft from across Canada. You can report to the CAFC through their toll-free phone line at 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM Eastern Time). Their online reporting system is available 24/7 at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The online Fraud Reporting System walks you through the process and allows you to upload supporting documentation like emails, screenshots, and transaction records.
For fraud involving significant losses or local perpetrators, also report to Ottawa Police Service. For non-emergencies, call 613-236-1222 or visit an Ottawa Police station in person. The Economic Crimes Unit investigates fraud cases and works with the CAFC and other agencies. You can also file online reports for certain types of fraud through the Ottawa Police website.
If fraud involves your financial accounts, immediately contact your bank or credit card company. Many banks have fraud departments that can freeze accounts, reverse transactions (in some cases), and provide guidance. Report the fraud even if you only suspect it—banks have sophisticated fraud detection systems and can investigate.
For identity theft specifically, contact credit bureaus Equifax Canada (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion Canada (1-800-663-9980) to place fraud alerts on your credit file. Request free credit reports to check for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Consider placing a credit freeze that prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
Report scams encountered on specific platforms directly to those platforms. Report fraudulent listings or users on Facebook Marketplace through the platform’s reporting tools. Report scams on Kijiji through their Help Centre. Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Match have reporting mechanisms for suspicious profiles. Report phishing emails to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and forward them to the organization being impersonated (most banks and companies have dedicated email addresses for reporting phishing).
For consumer-related scams involving goods or services, contact the Competition Bureau Canada. They investigate deceptive marketing practices and other consumer protection violations.
When reporting, provide as much detail as possible including dates and times of contact, names and aliases used by scammers, phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs, descriptions of what happened in chronological order, amounts of money lost and payment methods used, and copies of all communications, transaction receipts, and screenshots.
Understand that reporting fraud doesn’t guarantee investigation or recovery of funds. Law enforcement prioritizes cases based on factors like amount involved, number of victims, and likelihood of identifying perpetrators. However, every report contributes to the bigger picture of fraud trends and helps protect future potential victims.
How to Protect Yourself: Essential Prevention Strategies
Protecting yourself from fraud requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, and practical security measures. While scammers constantly evolve their tactics, certain fundamental principles provide robust protection.
Verify independently. Never trust caller ID, email addresses, or text messages at face value—all can be spoofed or faked. If someone claiming to be from your bank, the government, or any organization contacts you requesting information or payment, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number you find yourself on their official website or previous legitimate correspondence. If you receive an email about account issues, don’t click links—instead, type the website address directly into your browser.
Protect your personal information. Never share your Social Insurance Number, banking passwords, credit card security codes, or other sensitive information in response to unsolicited requests. Legitimate organizations don’t ask for this information via phone, text, or email. Be cautious about what you share on social media—scammers use public information to make their approaches more convincing.
Recognize red flags. Urgency and pressure are the scammer’s primary weapons—legitimate businesses and government agencies give you time to make decisions. Requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers indicate fraud—no legitimate entity requires these payment forms. Threats of arrest, legal action, or account suspension create fear designed to override logical thinking. Too-good-to-be-true offers of guaranteed returns, extremely low prices, or no-risk opportunities are always scams.
Secure your devices and accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each important account—password managers make this manageable. Enable two-factor authentication on email, banking, and social media accounts. Keep your computer, phone, and apps updated with the latest security patches. Install reputable antivirus software and run regular scans. Be cautious about clicking links in emails or texts, especially from unknown senders.
Talk to family members, particularly vulnerable populations like seniors, newcomers to Canada, or young adults. Discuss common scam tactics so everyone recognizes warning signs. Establish family code words for verifying identity during emergency calls. Create an environment where family members feel comfortable discussing suspicious contacts without fear of judgment.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t let embarrassment or pressure prevent you from questioning situations or seeking second opinions. Scammers exploit people’s desire to be polite, helpful, or avoid appearing ignorant. It’s always acceptable to say “I need to think about this” or “I want to consult with someone” and end the conversation.
Educate yourself continuously. Follow the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on social media for alerts about emerging scams. Sign up for fraud alerts from your bank and credit card companies. Ottawa Police and other local organizations regularly publish warnings about scams affecting the community. Stay informed about new tactics as scammers constantly adapt.
If you realize you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you’ve shared financial information or sent money. File reports with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Ottawa Police. Change passwords on compromised accounts. Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized activity. Seek support from friends, family, or counselling services—being scammed is emotionally traumatic, and many victims experience shame, anger, and depression.
Remember that anyone can be scammed. Fraud victims are not stupid or careless—they’re simply people caught at vulnerable moments by increasingly sophisticated criminals. The shame surrounding fraud victimization prevents many people from reporting or seeking help, which only benefits the scammers. By staying informed, being cautious, and looking out for one another, Ottawa residents can protect themselves and their community from these predatory schemes.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I receive a threatening call from someone claiming to be from the CRA?
Hang up immediately without providing any information. The real CRA never threatens arrest over the phone, demands immediate payment, or requests gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you’re concerned about your tax status, contact the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281 or through your My Account on their official website. Report the scam call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and save details like the phone number and any messages left.
Q: How can I tell if a rental listing on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace is legitimate?
Legitimate rental listings allow in-person viewings before requesting deposits, have prices consistent with market rates for the area, and feature landlords who communicate professionally and answer questions directly. Red flags include refusal to meet in person, requests for deposits before viewings, prices significantly below market, landlords claiming to be out of the country, and pressure to act immediately. Always view properties in person, use reverse image search on photos, and never send deposits via wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
Q: I gave a scammer remote access to my computer. What should I do?
Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet by unplugging your ethernet cable or turning off Wi-Fi. Run a complete security scan using reputable antivirus software. Change all passwords using a different device that wasn’t compromised—prioritize email, banking, and social media accounts. Contact your bank to monitor for unauthorized transactions. Consider having a professional perform a security assessment. File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and notify your bank about the breach.
Q: Can I get my money back if I’ve been scammed?
Recovery depends on the payment method and how quickly you act. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately—some transactions can be reversed if caught quickly. Interac e-Transfers can sometimes be cancelled if the recipient hasn’t deposited the funds. However, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift card payments are nearly impossible to recover. File a police report and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre—while recovery isn’t guaranteed, reporting creates a record and may help if the scammer is caught. Some victims have recovered funds through small claims court, though this requires identifying the scammer.
Q: How do I recognize a romance scam before losing money?
Warning signs include professing love very quickly (within weeks), refusing video calls despite having an ongoing relationship, claiming to be in the military or working overseas, sharing elaborate stories about wealth they can’t currently access, and eventually requesting money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Protect yourself by insisting on video calls before developing emotional attachment, never sending money to someone you haven’t met in person, doing reverse image searches on profile photos, and discussing new online relationships with trusted friends who can provide objective perspective. Remember that scammers invest considerable time building trust, so the length of the relationship doesn’t indicate legitimacy.
Final Thoughts
Fraud continues to evolve in sophistication and scale, but awareness remains your most powerful defence. The scams affecting Ottawa residents in 2025 exploit universal human emotions—fear, love, urgency, and trust—making anyone potentially vulnerable regardless of intelligence or education level.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s statistics reveal only a fraction of the true impact, as shame and embarrassment prevent most victims from reporting. By understanding common scam tactics, recognizing red flags, and knowing how to respond to suspicious approaches, you can protect yourself and help safeguard your community.
Remember that legitimate organizations give you time to make decisions, never demand payment through untraceable methods, and don’t threaten you for information. When in doubt, verify independently by contacting organizations directly through official channels. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.
If you or someone you know has been victimized, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Reporting helps law enforcement track patterns, potentially apprehend criminals, and protect others from similar schemes. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and others who experience fraud—shame only benefits the scammers.
Stay informed about emerging scams through Ottawa Police alerts, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and community resources. Share this knowledge with vulnerable family members and friends. Together, Ottawa residents can create a more fraud-aware community that makes it harder for scammers to succeed.
Source: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Ottawa Police Service, Competition Bureau Canada
