In 2025, reported fraud losses exceeded $544 million.
From January 1 to September 30 of 2025, there were more than 23-thousand victims. It's estimated that more than 80 per cent of Canadians have been targeted by online or phone scams. 30 per cent of Canadians have fallen victim to fraud or identity theft.
Seniors aged 60 and above are nearly twice as likely to fall victim to scams compared to those aged 18 to 29. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Manitobans reported losses of approximately $31 million in 2024.
Every year in Canada, March is marked as Fraud Prevention Month. It's a campaign that aims to help residents learn about fraud and highlight prevention tips.
Terry Sundell is a corporal with the Manitoba RCMP.
"So for the RCMP in Manitoba, fraud-related calls haven't slowed down," said Sundell. "We continue to see people targeted every day in every part of the province. Some of the most common scams continue to be the emergency or grandparent scam. Scammers are also impersonating banks or cellular service providers."
The latest changes in the grandparents scam see scammers asking people to mail money. The RCMP has noticed couriers meet people at the end of their driveways to pick up money. Sundell says the scammers are often quite sophisticated.
He says that if you take a step back from the situation, talk to a friend, or even use the internet to verify the information. The RCMP or anyone in the justice system will never contact you asking for money.
Sundell says caller ID can't be trusted. Phone numbers can be spoofed or copied. This doesn't mean that if you call the number back, you'll get the wrong person, but the call display can be compromised.
"It's important not to click on any links that you receive in a text message or an email," ended Sundell. "If someone provides an address for you to punch in on your phone, do not do that. Trusted websites can be found through Google searches or by calling your bank personally."
When it comes to being scammed, you are the last line of defence. It's also recommended that you change your email password frequently.
If you believe you've been scammed, report it to your local RCMP detachment. In addition, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
