Fraud Prevention Month in Canada (2026): How Newcomers Can Avoid Scams

Fraud Prevention Month in Canada is an annual campaign held every March to raise awareness about scams, identity theft, and online fraud. The campaign provides Canadians with tools and resources to recognize, prevent, and report fraudulent activity, especially important for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with Canadian systems.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canadians lost over $544 million as of September 2025. In 2024, that number hit $645 million. Learning about fraud early can save you money, protect your identity, and prevent long-term financial damage.

Fraud Prevention Month Checklist for Newcomers to Canada

Use this quick guide to protect yourself during your first months in Canada:

• Never share your Social Insurance Number (SIN) unless legally required
• Verify landlords, employers, and online sellers before sending money
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
• Monitor bank and credit card activity regularly
• Shred documents containing personal information
• Report suspicious activity to the CAFC

📌 Save or share this infographic during Fraud Prevention Month in Canada.

Why Fraud Prevention Month Matters

Fraud is constantly evolving, but awareness and education are the best defence. Fraud Prevention Month encourages Canadians and newcomers to:

• Stay informed about emerging scams
• Protect their personal and financial information
• Report suspicious activity promptly

Even simple steps like verifying a landlord or checking online reviews can prevent major financial loss.

Why March Is Dedicated to Fraud Awareness

Fraud Prevention Month was launched in 2004 in response to rising scams and identity theft across Canada. Initially focused on traditional fraud, the campaign now includes:

• Cyber fraud
• Phishing attacks
• Online marketplace scams
• Social engineering schemes
• Immigration fraud

Every March, government agencies, banks, police services, and community organizations share resources and warnings to keep Canadians and newcomers safe.

New to Canada? Start Smart in Your First Weeks

Avoid common mistakes— including scams — by understanding how Canadian systems work from day one. Join our free webinar:

Three Common Types of Fraud in Canada

Scammers target your money or personal information. Here are three fraud types newcomers should know:

1. Identity Theft: Protect Your Personal Information

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your SIN, banking information, or date of birth, to commit fraud.

Risks include:

• Unauthorized purchases or loans
• Damage to your credit score
• Legal complications

Prevention Tips:

• Keep your SIN safe and only share when required
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
• Monitor financial statements weekly
• Shred documents containing personal info

👉 Newcomer tip: Your SIN is private, and you should only share it in specific situations. Learn when and how to apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada.

2. Phishing Scams: Spot Fake Emails and Calls

Phishing scams use emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or delivery companies. They aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information.

Red Flags:

• Urgent or threatening messages
• Requests for passwords or SIN
• Spelling or grammar errors
• Suspicious links

Prevention Tips:

• Verify messages by contacting the organization directly
• Never click unknown links
• Use phishing filters in email clients

3. Online Purchase Fraud: Avoid Paying for Fake or Non-Existent Products

Online purchase scams happen when sellers advertise fake, counterfeit, or non-existent products, sometimes even on trusted platforms like Amazon or eBay.

How to Stay Safe:

• Check seller ratings and reviews
• Confirm return and refund policies
• Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true”
• Verify website contact details and physical address

Most Common Scams Targeting Newcomers to Canada

Newcomers may be targeted because they are:

• Unfamiliar with Canadian systems
• Urgently seeking housing, jobs, or banking services

Common newcomer scams include:

• Immigration fraud
• Job offer and employment scams
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) impersonation calls
• Banking and investment fraud
• Rental scams

Learn more about how to spot rentals scams in our guide, How Can Newcomers Avoid Rental Scams? 10 Smart Tips

Learn About the Effects of Fraud

Fraud doesn’t just cause financial loss; it can create stress, fear, and long-term identity issues. Watch this video from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to understand how fraud affects individuals and families.

During Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, organizations like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre encourage awareness and reporting to prevent identity theft, government impersonation scams, and financial fraud targeting newcomers.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Fraud

1. 1. Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately
2. 2. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
3. 3. Review your credit report
4. 4. Report identity theft to your local police service

Prompt action can minimize financial loss and prevent further fraud.

FAQs About Fraud Prevention Month Canada

Final Thoughts: Fraud Prevention Month Helps You Stay Safe

Fraud can happen to anyone — but being informed makes you harder to target. This Fraud Prevention Month, take simple steps to protect your personal information, verify requests before you respond, and never act under pressure. As you settle into life in Canada, understanding how legitimate systems work will help you spot red flags and avoid costly mistakes. When in doubt, pause, verify, and protect yourself.