If you or someone you love has been targeted by a scammer, the most important thing to know is this: scammers are professionals. They exploit trust, manufacture panic, and move fast so you cannot think clearly. Falling for a scam does not mean you are gullible; it means you are human.
Take these steps as soon as possible. You do not need to do them all at once; start with step one and work through them at your own pace.
Hang up the phone. Stop responding to emails or texts. Block the number. Do not send any more money, gift cards, or information, no matter what they threaten. You are not being rude. You are protecting yourself.
Call the number on the back of your bank card (not a number the scammer gave you). Tell them what happened. They can freeze accounts, reverse transactions, and flag suspicious activity. The sooner you call, the more they can help.
File a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online. Also contact your local police non-emergency line. Reporting helps protect others, and creates a record you may need later for recovery.
If you shared any login information, change those passwords immediately. Start with your email and banking. Use a different password for each account. If you need help, ask a trusted family member or visit your local library for tech support.
Shame keeps victims silent and silence is the scammer’s best friend. Tell a family member, a friend, or a community worker what happened. You will feel better, and they can help you through the recovery process. You are not the first person this has happened to.
Our step-by-step PDF guide walks you through everything: who to call, what to document, how to protect your remaining accounts, and how to begin recovering emotionally. It is written in plain language, with large type, and designed to be printed and kept somewhere safe.
You do not need to give us your email. You do not need to sign up for anything. Just download it and use it.
Recovery from fraud is a process, not a moment. Be patient with yourself. The shame you might feel is the scammer’s last weapon; do not let them have it. Millions of Canadians have been targeted. Thousands have recovered. You will too.
1-888-495-8501 - Report fraud and get guidance
File a report - it creates a record for recovery
Call the number on the back of your card