OPP, group seek to raise awareness as fraud rises

The Ontario Provincial Police mark 20 years of fighting fraud while losses continue to mount year over year.

“The incidents of fraud in Ontario are among the highest in the country,” said Stephen Buchanan, acting detective inspector with the OPP anti-rackets branch, in a news release.

“Throughout the month of March, the OPP along with the CAFC (Canadian Anti-fraud Centre) hope to raise awareness to the growing need for deterrence and reporting of fraud against the people of Ontario and in particular those in our vulnerable populations.”

Over the past 20 years, technology has transformed the fraud landscape, making it more widespread and sophisticated than ever before.

The CAFC reports that 75 per cent of overall losses are from cyber-enabled fraud and that number is expected to increase year over year.

In 2023, the centre received fraud reports totalling $554 million in victim losses, surpassing the 2022 historic loss amounts of $530 million.

And even with those staggering numbers, it is estimated that only five to 10 per cent of victims report scams and frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement.

The top five frauds were investment fraud with Ontario victims reported losing more than $111.2 million in 2023; spear phishing (business email compromise) that saw Ontario victims reported losing more than $21.3 million; romance fraud with Ontario victims reported losing more than $21.3 million; job scams that saw Ontario victims reported losing more than $9.4 million and service fraud with Ontario victims reported losing more than $8.3 million.

Police point out fraudsters may create spoofed websites or use spoofed telephone numbers that mimic legitimate numbers. They also get victims to download remote-entry software, which provides access to devices and computers. Some fraudsters send out phishing texts with hyperlinks imitating legitimate businesses or governments offering refunds, rebates or requiring payments.

If you are a victim of a fraud or know someone who is — even if a financial loss didn't occur — contact police to report the crime and also report it to the CAFC at 1-888495-8501.