Fraud may not arrive as an obvious threat. Today, it might sound like the voice of someone you know or look like a message from your bank. Scammer tactics are becoming more sophisticated, but so too are the strategies and resources available to protect yourself.

Last year, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received over 112,000 fraud reports with losses surpassing $704 million. As staggering as this figure is, it represents only 5–10% of the actual fraud occurring.

To mark Fraud Prevention Month, we encourage anyone impacted by fraud to report their case to the CAFC. Reporting fraud allows law enforcement to identify patterns, issue public warnings, and build cases against the people behind the schemes. 

As an added resource, we outline the scams currently on our radar at Rizk Law Office and how to protect yourself below.

AI Voice Clones

Scammers are starting to replicate voice with just a few seconds of audio pulled from social media. You may receive a phone call or voice message from a familiar-sounding voice claiming to be in an accident, in trouble with the law, or in urgent need of money.

How to protect yourself: Hang up and call the person you think it is directly using the number you have for them. Resist the impulse to act on urgency until you can validate authenticity.

Fake Emergency Text

We all experience those random texts from unknown numbers that look and feel familiar. If they are engaged, it may prompt a panicked story requesting money or a verification code. These scams are designed to catch you off guard and force a quick decision.

How to protect yourself: Reflect before responding. Ask yourself whether there’s any reason you might be receiving a familiar text from an unknown number. If there is no logical explanation, it’s most likely spam. Block the number and mark it as spam.

Fraud Recovery Service “Support”

Victims of fraud can be targeted again. Fraudsters pose as investigators, government officials, and even legal representatives promising to recover lost money for an upfront fee. Getting scammed can leave a person vulnerable and desperate for help, which is why second attempts can be effective.

How to protect yourself: Do not engage. No legitimate recovery service will ask for payment before results. If someone contacts you unsolicited about recovering lost funds, report it immediately to the CAFC or consult a lawyer if you need extra support.

Sophisticated-Looking Investment Offers

Investment scams are among the leading causes of financial loss in Canada. Sophisticated fraudsters now pose as legitimate financial institutions offering banking services with unusually high interest rates, promoting unregulated cryptocurrency platforms through realistic-looking apps or fake celebrity endorsements, and pitching precious metals or other commodities with promises of guaranteed tax-free returns.

How to protect yourself: If an online prompt makes you feel pressure to act fast, that’s your signal to slow down. Research any investment opportunities independently and never transfer funds based on an unsolicited conversation. If needed, consult a licensed financial advisor or lawyer before committing to anything unfamiliar.

Older scams like fake tech support calls and prize or refund notifications are still out there. When in doubt, practicing personal discernment is always a good idea. If something feels off, trust that instinct, disengage, and verify independently before taking any action.

If you have been a victim of fraud, or believe you might be, reporting it really matters. Every report strengthens the collective effort to hold fraudsters accountable. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through their online portal.

The toll of fraud extends beyond financial consequences. It can shake a person’s sense of security, personal relationships, and livelihood. If you have questions about your legal rights or options after experiencing fraud, we’re here to help.