Fraud & Scam Education – Canada

Fraud & Scam Education provides objective, public-interest information to help individuals and organizations recognize common fraud patterns, understand risk indicators, and reduce exposure to preventable financial loss.

This information is provided by the Canadian Consumer Verification & Safety Bureau (CCVSB), an independent organization dedicated to business verification, risk-based assessment, and consumer safety education.

Purpose of Fraud & Scam Education

Fraud and deceptive practices continue to affect individuals, businesses, and organizations across Canada. Many incidents occur when payments are made quickly, information is shared without verification, or representations are accepted without sufficient review.

CCVSB’s Fraud & Scam Education materials are intended to:

Improve public awareness of common fraud methods
Help individuals identify early warning signs
Encourage verification before payment or commitment
Support informed and cautious decision-making

This information is educational in nature and does not replace law enforcement, regulatory authorities, or professional advice.

Understanding Fraud and Scams

Fraud and scams may involve misrepresentation, impersonation, false urgency, or misleading claims designed to obtain money, goods, or personal information.

These activities can occur through:

Phone calls
Emails and text messages
Online marketplaces and social media
In-person interactions
Business-to-business transactions

Fraud methods evolve over time, and no single indicator confirms wrongdoing. Awareness of patterns is essential.

Common Fraud & Scam Categories

Impersonation & Authority Scams

These involve individuals falsely claiming to represent:
Government agencies
Financial institutions
Utility providers
Well-known organizations or businesses
Common indicators may include urgent payment demands, threats, or requests for confidential information.

Contractor & Service Provider Scams

May involve:
Requests for large advance payments
Pressure to proceed immediately
Unverifiable business information
Sudden changes to pricing or scope
Consumers are encouraged to verify contractors before payment.

Online Seller & Marketplace Scams

Often associated with:
Newly created seller profiles
Requests to move transactions off established platforms
Non-reversible payment methods
Inconsistent or copied listings

Advance-Fee & Deposit Scams

These may involve:
Promises of goods or services following payment
Requests for deposits with limited documentation
Pressure-based deadlines
Advance payments increase risk when verification has not been completed.

Payment Redirection & Invoice Fraud

Common in business settings and may include:
Sudden changes to payment instructions
Requests to redirect payments to new accounts
Emails or messages mimicking legitimate contacts
Independent verification is recommended before processing changes.

Investment & Opportunity Scams

May involve:
Guaranteed or unusually high returns
Limited-time offers
Requests for secrecy
Pressure to act quickly
Legitimate opportunities allow time for review and verification.

Common Fraud Warning Indicators

While no single indicator confirms fraud, increased caution is advised when encountering:

Urgent or threatening communication
Requests for secrecy
Non-standard or non-traceable payment methods
Refusal to provide verifiable information
Inconsistent or changing details

Multiple indicators may increase risk.

What CCVSB Fraud & Scam Education Does Not Do

For clarity and transparency, CCVSB fraud and scam education:

Does not investigate crimes
Does not determine criminal intent
Does not replace police or regulators
Does not provide legal determinations
Does not recover funds or intervene in disputes

CCVSB provides informational and preventive guidance only.

How Verification Can Reduce Fraud Risk

Verification before payment or commitment can help identify:

Whether a business or seller is verifiable
Whether representations appear consistent
Whether observable risk indicators are present

CCVSB encourages verification as part of a broader risk-reduction approach.

Who Should Use This Information

Fraud & Scam Education may be useful for:

Consumers
Small businesses
Property owners and managers
Organizations processing payments
Individuals engaging in online or unfamiliar transactions

When to Apply Fraud Awareness Practices

Fraud awareness is especially important before:

Sending payments or deposits
Sharing personal or financial information
Signing contracts or agreements
Responding to urgent payment requests

Early caution can reduce exposure to preventable harm.

CCVSB’s Role in Fraud Prevention Education

CCVSB supports fraud prevention through:

Public education materials
Risk-based verification services
Consumer guidance resources
Standardized assessment methodologies

All materials are developed with an emphasis on neutrality, accuracy, and public safety.

Important Disclaimer

The Canadian Consumer Verification & Safety Bureau (CCVSB) is a private, independent, non-government organization.

Fraud & Scam Education materials:

Are provided for informational purposes only
Do not constitute legal, financial, or investigative advice
Do not replace law enforcement or regulatory authorities
Should be considered alongside professional guidance

Individuals who believe they may be a victim of fraud are encouraged to contact appropriate authorities.

Additional Resources

CCVSB provides related resources, including:

Business Legitimacy Checks
Contractor & Tradesperson Verification
Online Seller & Marketplace Safety Guidance
Before You Pay: Verification Guidance

Official Source

All official CCVSB education materials and verification services are published exclusively through our website.