Scam protection

Immigration Scams

Fraudsters pose as IRCC officers, immigration consultants, or border agents, demanding payment for fake services or threatening deportation. In 2026, these scams have become far more convincing using AI-generated voices and cloned government websites that are nearly identical to the real ones.

Employment Scams

Fake job offers target newcomers desperate to find work, often requiring upfront payments for training, equipment, or background checks. In 2026, scammers use professional LinkedIn profiles, AI-generated company websites, and fake job postings on legitimate platforms like Indeed and Workopolis to appear credible.

Housing Scams

Fake rental listings exploit newcomers who are unfamiliar with Canadian rental markets, often demanding large deposits before viewing. In 2026, scammers use AI to generate photorealistic images of non-existent apartments and create convincing fake property management company websites to steal thousands from newcomers.

CRA Tax Scams

Callers impersonating Canada Revenue Agency officers threaten arrest, deportation, or legal action unless you pay immediately. These are among the most reported scams in Canada, targeting newcomers who may be unfamiliar with how the CRA actually operates. The CRA will never call you demanding immediate payment or threatening criminal action over the phone.

Banking and E-Transfer Scams

Scammers steal personal and financial information through fake bank alerts, romance scams, e-Transfer interception, and advance fee fraud. E-Transfer fraud is particularly common in Canada because Interac e-Transfers cannot be reversed once deposited, making it the scammer's preferred payment method.

AI and Deepfake Scams (2026)

By 2026, artificial intelligence can clone anyone's voice from a few seconds of audio and generate video deepfakes in real time. Scammers use these tools to impersonate family members in distress, government officials, and even your bank manager. These scams are among the fastest-growing fraud categories in Canada and are nearly impossible to detect by ear alone.

Social Media Scams

Scammers use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to run fake investment schemes, counterfeit product sales, fake government benefit ads, and impersonation of legitimate settlement agencies. Newcomers are heavily targeted because scammers know many new Canadians rely on social media for information and community connection.

Phone and SIM Swap Scams

Scammers target your phone number itself through SIM swapping, which lets them intercept your banking text verification codes and take over your accounts. They also impersonate Rogers, Bell, Telus, and CRTC to steal personal information or charge fake fees. Newcomers are targeted because they may have recently set up new phone plans and are unfamiliar with Canadian telecom practices.

Education and Student Scams

Fraudsters target international students and newcomers seeking education with fake university admissions, diploma mills, fake scholarship websites, and illegal study permit services. With Canadian university enrollment highly competitive, newcomers are vulnerable to scams that promise guaranteed admission or quick qualifications.

Healthcare and Wellness Scams

Scammers exploit newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the Canadian healthcare system by selling fake health cards, unauthorized supplements, miracle cures, and fraudulent benefit claims. These scams are especially dangerous because they can delay access to real medical care and cause serious financial and physical harm.

Government Benefit Scams

Scammers impersonate Service Canada, CRA, and provincial benefit programs to steal personal information or collect fraudulent processing fees. With many newcomers eligible for real benefits like CCB, GST credits, and settlement funding, these scams exploit the complexity of the Canadian benefit system.

Student Visa and Study Permit Scams

Fraudulent schools, fake scholarship offers, and scams targeting international students seeking study permits remain widespread. In 2026, ghost consultants using fake IRCC-branded websites and AI-generated offer letters have made these scams increasingly difficult for newcomers to detect.

Romance and Relationship Scams

Scammers build emotional relationships online over weeks or months, then exploit the trust to request money or recruit victims as money mules. Newcomers who are isolated and building new social networks are particularly vulnerable. In 2026, AI-generated profile photos and deepfake video calls have made romance scammers nearly impossible to detect visually.

Crypto Investment and Pig Butchering Scams

Scammers pose as successful investors or romantic interests, slowly building trust before convincing you to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. They show fake profits you can see but never withdraw. These are the largest financial loss scams in Canada, with victims commonly losing $50,000 to $500,000. RCMP statistics show crypto investment fraud losses in Canada exceeded $300 million in 2023 alone.

AI Voice Cloning and Family Emergency Scams

Scammers use AI tools to clone the voice of a family member or friend from a short audio sample and call you claiming to be in an emergency. In 2026, voice cloning technology can replicate anyone's voice, accent, and speech patterns from just a few seconds of audio found on social media. These calls are virtually indistinguishable from the real person.

Government Benefit and Tax Refund Scams

Fake text messages and emails claim you have uncollected government benefits, tax refunds, or climate action credits. They direct you to fake government websites to claim the money, then steal your banking details and SIN. These messages are designed to look identical to official CRA and Service Canada communications.

Fake Moving Company Scams

Fraudulent movers provide a low quote and then hold your belongings hostage, demanding much higher payment before delivering. These scams target newcomers moving into their first Canadian apartment who are unfamiliar with local moving company practices and their rights.