ONTARIO—As March marks Fraud Prevention Month (FPM), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and its partners are intensifying efforts to combat the surge in fraudulent activities. This year’s campaign, themed “20 years of fighting fraud – where are we now?” aims to shed light on the evolving nature of fraud over the past two decades.
The prevalence of fraud in Ontario ranks among the highest nationwide, prompting the OPP and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to amplify awareness about the growing threat and the importance of reporting incidents, particularly among vulnerable populations.
In 2023, the CAFC recorded a staggering $554 million in reported fraud losses, surpassing the historic figures of $530 million in 2022. Alarmingly, 75 percent of these losses stem from cyber-enabled fraud, a trend expected to escalate annually. Despite these figures, only five to 10 percent of victims report scams or frauds to authorities.
According to CAFC data from 2023, the top five fraud categories affecting Canadians daily include investment frauds, spear phishing frauds, romance frauds, job scams and service frauds. These scams collectively accounted for millions in reported losses, with Ontario victims bearing significant financial burdens.
Modern fraud tactics leverage sophisticated technology, including spoofed websites, VoIP-spoofed telephone numbers, remote-entry software, and phishing texts, posing substantial threats to individuals and businesses alike.
Mike Bickerton, detective superintendent and director of financial crime services at the OPP, stresses the importance of public awareness and cyber literacy in combating fraud. He emphasizes, “One of the strongest and most effective methods we have to combat fraud is through enhanced public knowledge and cyber awareness.”
Throughout Fraud Prevention Month, the OPP, CAFC and partners will disseminate fraud prevention information to empower individuals with the necessary tools to recognize and thwart fraudulent schemes.
In the event of falling victim to fraud or suspecting fraudulent activity, individuals are urged to report the crime to local law enforcement and the CAFC. Reporting, even in cases where no financial loss occurred, is crucial for tracking and combating fraud effectively.
As part of the campaign, the OPP encourages the public to follow their social media channels using hashtags #FPM2024, #kNOwfraud, and @canantifraud for weekly updates and resources throughout March. Together, proactive measures and community vigilance can help mitigate the impact of fraud on individuals and businesses across Ontario.
