TL;DR: This page collects 10 dated, sourced scam and fraud stories from Canada, reported by the CAFC, RCMP and local police services and local media between August and October 2026. Each links to a full write-up with the red flags and what to do. Report scams quickly: speed is the biggest factor in recovering money.
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This month's stories
- Toronto Police Charge Two Over C$3.49 Million Investment and Real-Estate Fraud: Toronto police say victims lost about C$3.49M in an alleged investment and real-estate scheme. Two people are charged; a third suspect is at large.
- Canadians Reported About C$351 Million in Fraud Losses in Six Months, CAFC Says: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports about C$351M in fraud losses in early 2026, led by C$139.6M in investment fraud. See the categories and tips.
- Canadian Regulators Warn of Scammers Posing as a Swiss Bank to 'Recover' Lost Crypto: Canadian securities regulators warned on Aug 4, 2026 of scammers posing as Swiss bank UBP to 'recover' lost crypto for upfront fees. Know the red flags.
- Fake 'Police Chief' and Bank Caller Drain C$108,000 From Sechelt Resident, RCMP Warns: The RCMP says a Sechelt resident sent C$70,000 and C$38,000 after a spoofed call from a fake Vancouver police chief and a bogus bank follow-up.
- Fake Event-Committee Emails Trick Kamloops Businesses Into Paying, RCMP Says: Kamloops RCMP say businesses paid fake invoices from lookalike addresses posing as an event committee. Complaints began Sept 15, 2026.
- Toronto Woman Loses C$96,000 Life Savings to Instagram Psychic Scam: A Toronto woman lost her C$96,000 life savings after a C$30 Instagram psychic reading turned into curse threats. The CAFC names the warning sign.
- Peel Police Arrest Four in 'Project Octane' Over Fake Company Plates and Unpaid 407 Tolls: Peel police charged four people in Project Octane, saying fake Service Ontario filings hid stolen cars and left over C$100,000 in unpaid 407 tolls.
- Calgary Police Charge Two Over Alleged C$1 Million Fraud Built on Investments, Admissions and Immigration Help: Calgary police charged two people over an alleged C$1M fraud involving investments, university admission and immigration. Court date: Oct 28, 2026.
- Winnipeg Police Arrest Edmonton Man After Three Seniors Lose C$37,000 in Grandparent Bail Scam: An Edmonton man, 29, is charged after three Winnipeg seniors lost over C$37,000 in cash and coins to callers posing as grandchildren needing bail.
- Credit Card Application Fraud Rises 8% in Canada, With Ages 56 to 65 Most Targeted: Equifax Canada says credit card application fraud hit 0.91% in Q2 2026, up 8% year over year, with Canadians aged 56 to 65 a growing target.
What the stories have in common
Most of these scams rely on pressure, secrecy and a request for payment or a login. The simplest defence is to stop, check the request through a contact method you find yourself, and tell someone before you act.
Where to report
Report to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and RCMP, and tell your bank straight away. Our guide on how to report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre lists the steps, and What to do after a scam, wherever you live covers what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report a scam in Canada?
Report it to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or RCMP and contact your bank immediately. See our guide for the full steps.
How often is this Canada scam news roundup updated?
We add new, verified stories regularly and date every one. Each post links to its original source.
What is the most important thing to do after a scam?
Contact your bank straight away and report it. In most recoveries, speed made the difference.