The Complete Anti-Scam Guide for Canada: Every Step from Spotting Fraud to Recovering Your Money

After falling victim to an online scam, many people's first reaction is panic, self-blame, and not knowing who to turn to. The goal of this guide is clear: give you a reliable, actionable plan for every step after being scammed. From determining whether you've been scammed, to preserving evidence, to filing police reports, to getting scam websites taken down, to attempting fund recovery — every stage comes with specific, step-by-step instructions.

Canada is vast, with federal and provincial systems running in parallel. Different types of scams require different agencies. This guide helps you navigate all the channels so you never feel lost.

Bookmark this article — hopefully you'll never need it. But if you do, it can help you take the right action at the most critical moment.

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1. The State of Online Scams in Canada (2026)

According to the latest data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), Canada's online scam landscape remains severe:

• Total Losses: Canadians lost over $1 billion CAD to scams in 2025, setting a record high for the fourth consecutive year. CAFC estimates actual losses may be 3-5 times the reported figure, as many victims choose not to report.
• Complaint Volume: CAFC received over 150,000 fraud complaints throughout the year.
• Rising Per-Case Losses: The average loss per case continues to climb, especially for investment scams and romance scams, where individual losses frequently exceed $50,000 CAD.
• Changing Victim Demographics: It's no longer just seniors. Adults aged 25-44 account for over 40% of investment and employment scam victims.

The Six Most Common Scam Types in Canada in 2026

Scam Type	Typical Methods	High-Risk Groups
Investment Scam	Social media ads leading to fake investment platforms promising high returns; "Pig Butchering" schemes that build trust before luring victims into crypto investments	Young and middle-aged adults with investment interest, retirees
Romance Scam	Building emotional connections through Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, or Facebook, then fabricating emergencies to request money transfers	Single adults, especially those over 40
CRA Impersonation	Phone calls, texts, or emails impersonating Canada Revenue Agency, claiming unpaid taxes or pending refunds, threatening arrest or demanding SIN numbers	Newcomers, international students, everyone during tax season
Tech Support Scam	Pop-up warnings claiming "your computer is infected," luring victims to call fake Microsoft/Apple support, then remotely controlling computers and demanding repair fees	Seniors, less tech-savvy users
Employment Scam	Fake job postings from well-known companies requiring upfront "training fees" or "equipment deposits"; fraudulent offers via LinkedIn/Indeed	Job seekers, recent graduates, newcomers
Crypto Scam	Fake exchanges, Ponzi DeFi projects, "mentor" trading groups, Bitcoin ATM transfer instructions	Crypto newcomers, those seeking high returns

2026 Trend: AI deepfake scams are growing rapidly in Canada. Scammers use AI to clone the voices of family members for phone scams ("Hi Mom/Dad" Scam) or generate realistic video calls impersonating bank managers. Additionally, scams requiring payment through Bitcoin ATMs have surged dramatically — CAFC reports show over 30% of investment scams now direct victims to transfer funds via Bitcoin ATMs.

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2. How to Use ScamLens to Determine If You've Been Scammed

Before contacting police, you may want to confirm whether the other party is actually a scam. Here's the complete process for using ScamLens for preliminary verification:

Step 1: Enter the Suspicious Domain

Go to scamlens.org, enter the suspicious website domain (e.g., cra-refund-claim.com) in the search box, and click "Check."

Step 2: Review the Trust Score

ScamLens scans across 90+ threat intelligence sources for a comprehensive analysis, generating a Trust Score from 0-100:

Score Range	Risk Level	Meaning	Recommended Action
0-30	High Risk	The website has been flagged as malicious by multiple intelligence sources or exhibits high-risk characteristics	Stop all interaction immediately; do not enter any personal information
30-60	Suspicious	Some risk indicators are present, such as very recent domain registration or lack of business verification	Exercise extreme caution; never make any payments
60-100	Relatively Safe	No obvious risk indicators found, but this does not guarantee 100% safety	Use normally, but still verify the merchant's credentials

Step 3: Review the AI Risk Analysis Report

Below the score, ScamLens' AI analysis report details:

• Threat Intelligence Matches: Whether the domain appears in known phishing databases, malware distribution lists, or scam domain databases
• Domain Registration Info: Registration date, registrar, registration country — newly registered domains (especially under 3 months) carry extremely high risk
• SSL Certificate Status: Whether a valid HTTPS certificate exists and whether the certificate authority is trustworthy
• Website Technical Characteristics: Whether known scam website templates are used or suspicious redirect chains exist
• Community Intelligence: Whether other users have already reported the website

Step 4: Check Community Reviews

At the bottom of the report page, you'll find community reports and a comment section. Check whether other Canadian users have reported this website or shared their experiences. Community information often contains the latest scam details — real-time intelligence not yet captured by threat intelligence databases.

Cryptocurrency Scam Detection

If you've been directed to transfer cryptocurrency to a wallet address (or via a Bitcoin ATM), go to scamlens.org/en/check-crypto and enter the wallet address. ScamLens will check whether the address is linked to known scam activity, whether it's been flagged as a mixer or money laundering address, and display the address's fund flow.

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3. Search and Report Suspicious Websites on ScamLens

Your report not only creates a record for yourself but also protects other potential victims — both in Canada and worldwide.

Search Existing Records

Enter the domain on the ScamLens homepage. If there are existing reports, you can review other victims' descriptions and evidence. This information can help confirm whether you've encountered the same scam.

Submit a Report

1. Open the domain's detection report page
2. Click the "Report This Website" button
3. Select the scam type (Investment Scam, Phishing, Fake Shopping, Romance Scam, etc.)
4. Fill in the scam description — the more detail, the better, including the scammer's tactics, the luring process, and amounts involved
5. Upload evidence screenshots (optional but strongly recommended)
6. Submit

Vote to Confirm

If someone has already reported the website, click "Confirm Scam" to vote. Every vote increases the risk weight for that website, helping ScamLens warn other users faster.

Share in Comments

Share your specific experience in the report comments: when the scam occurred, which platform the scammer used (WhatsApp/Telegram/Facebook, etc.), and what payment method they directed you to use. These details are crucial for building a complete risk profile of the scam website.

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4. Complete Evidence Collection Checklist

Whether you can successfully file a report and recover funds depends decisively on evidence. Preserve the following evidence immediately after discovering you've been scammed:

1. Emails

• Save the scammer's complete emails (including headers). In Gmail: open email → click "..." in the top right → "Show original" → download the .eml file
• Email headers contain the sending server's IP and other technical information crucial for police investigation
• Do not delete any correspondence emails

2. Text Messages / Instant Messages

• Screenshot all conversations with the scammer (ensure screenshots include timestamps and the other party's number/username)
• WhatsApp/Telegram/Facebook Messenger: use the "Export Chat" function to generate complete records
• Key: Capture the complete conversation chain, not just the last few messages

3. Bank and Payment Records

• Banking app/online banking: download or screenshot every transaction's complete details (payee, amount, time, Reference Number)
• Credit card statements: mark the transactions in question
• Interac e-Transfer: screenshot the transfer record, including Reference Number and recipient information
• PayPal/other payment platforms: download transaction records

4. Cryptocurrency Transactions

• Find the Transaction Hash (TxID) for each transfer from your wallet or exchange
• Search and screenshot transaction details on blockchain explorers (Etherscan, Blockchain.com, Tronscan)
• Record the recipient's wallet address and the Bitcoin ATM location you used (if applicable)

5. Website and Domain Evidence

• Check the domain on ScamLens and save a complete screenshot of the detection report
• Capture full screenshots of the scam website's homepage, login page, and payment/deposit page (the address bar must be clearly visible)
• Run a WHOIS lookup (whois.com or who.is) and save a screenshot of the domain registration info
• If the website has an app, screenshot the app name and download source — do not uninstall it

6. Social Account Evidence

• Screenshot the scammer's social media profile pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tinder, etc.)
• Save their username, bio, and profile picture
• Screenshot all your interactions with them on social platforms

Evidence Preservation Requirements

• Dual backup: Save copies on both a local device and cloud storage (Google Drive/iCloud)
• Write a timeline: Document the entire scam experience in text (dates, channels, amounts, every step taken) — submit it directly when filing a police report
• Do not modify original evidence: Do not crop or edit screenshots after taking them; keep them in their original state
• Preserve all original devices: Do not clear related data from your phone/computer

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5. Reporting Channels in Canada

Canada's anti-fraud system spans federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Here are all available official channels, detailed procedures, required materials, and expected response times:

1. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) — The Most Essential Channel

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, jointly operated by the RCMP, OPP, and Competition Bureau, is Canada's central anti-fraud hub.

• Phone: 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, Eastern Time 8:00-16:45)
• Online Reporting: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca → "Report a Fraud" → Complete the Fraud Reporting System (FRS) online form
• Languages: English and French

Steps:

1. Visit the CAFC website and click "Report Fraud or Cybercrime"
2. Select "I am a victim" or "I want to report a scam"
3. Complete the online form: personal information, scam type, detailed description, loss amount, scammer's contact information
4. Upload evidence files (emails, screenshots, transaction records)
5. After submission, you'll receive a Reference Number — keep it safe

Required Materials: Identification, detailed scam description, loss amount, scammer's contact info (phone/email/website/social accounts), payment receipts

Expected Response: CAFC will enter your report into the national fraud database. They do not directly investigate individual cases but share information with relevant law enforcement agencies. Your report is vital for identifying fraud trends and coordinating nationwide enforcement.

Important: A CAFC report does not replace filing with local police. For cases requiring investigation, you must also contact your local police department.

2. RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Cybercrime Reporting

• Online Reporting: Submit through CAFC's Fraud Reporting System (RCMP is one of CAFC's operating partners)
• National Cybercrime Coordination Centre (NC3): Coordinates national cybercrime investigations
• Website: rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Applicable Scenarios: Large-scale online fraud, interprovincial/international scams, cases involving organized crime.

3. Provincial and Municipal Police

For investigation of specific cases, file a report with your local police department:

Region	Police Department	How to Report
Toronto	Toronto Police Service	Online: torontopolice.on.ca → "Report a Crime Online"; Phone: non-emergency 416-808-2222
Vancouver	Vancouver Police Department	Online: vpd.ca → Online Crime Reporting; Phone: non-emergency 604-717-3321
Montreal	SPVM (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal)	Online: spvm.qc.ca; Phone: non-emergency 514-280-2222
Calgary	Calgary Police Service	Online: calgarypolice.ca → "Report a Crime"; Phone: non-emergency 403-266-1234
Ottawa	Ottawa Police Service	Online: ottawapolice.ca; Phone: non-emergency 613-236-1222
Rest of Ontario	Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)	Phone: 1-888-310-1122
Rest of Quebec	Sûreté du Québec	Phone: 1-800-659-4264

Steps:

1. Call your local police department's non-emergency line and state "I'd like to report an online fraud/scam"
2. Some cities support online reporting (recommended — allows evidence file uploads)
3. For in-person reports, bring ID (passport/driver's license/PR card) and all evidence materials to your nearest station
4. After completing the report, you'll receive a Police Report Number / Occurrence Number — keep it safe

Expected Response: Most police departments will confirm receipt within 5-10 business days. Investigation timelines depend on the amount and complexity.

4. Competition Bureau — Consumer Fraud and Misleading Advertising

Applicable Scenarios: False advertising, misleading marketing, consumer fraud (fake products, price fraud, pyramid/MLM schemes).

• Phone: 1-800-348-5358
• Online Complaint: competitionbureau.gc.ca → "File a Complaint"
• Required Materials: Business/website information involved, screenshots of misleading ads, purchase receipts
• Expected Response: The Bureau will assess whether the Competition Act has been violated and may launch a formal investigation. Processing takes weeks to months.

5. CRTC — Spam Calls/Texts

Applicable Scenarios: Receiving scam calls or spam texts (especially robo-calls impersonating CRA or banks).

• Online Complaint: crtc.gc.ca → "Submit a Complaint" → Telemarketing
• National Do Not Call List (DNCL) Complaint: lnnte-dncl.gc.ca
• Required Materials: Caller number, time received, text content/call description
• Expected Response: CRTC will incorporate the information into its regulatory oversight and can fine violating telemarketing companies.

6. Provincial Securities Regulators — Investment Scams

Applicable Scenarios: Unregistered investment platforms, fake securities/cryptocurrency investment schemes, investment advisor fraud.

Province	Regulator	Contact
Ontario	Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)	1-877-785-1555; osc.ca → "Report a Concern"
British Columbia	BC Securities Commission (BCSC)	1-800-373-6393; bcsc.bc.ca → "Report a Concern"
Quebec	Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)	1-877-525-0337; lautorite.qc.ca
Alberta	Alberta Securities Commission (ASC)	1-877-355-4488; albertasecurities.com
Other Provinces	Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA)	securities-administrators.ca → Find your province's regulator

Steps:

1. Visit your province's securities regulator website
2. Search "Investor Alerts" to see if the platform has already been flagged
3. If not listed, submit a complaint form with platform screenshots, investment contracts, and transfer records
4. The regulator may issue a public warning or launch an investigation

Required Materials: Investment platform name and URL, investment amount and dates, promised return rate, transfer receipts, communications with the "investment advisor"

Expected Response: Securities regulators typically confirm receipt within 2-4 weeks. Investigations and enforcement actions may take months.

Tip: On the CSA's aretheyregistered.ca website, you can check whether any investment advisor or platform is legitimately registered. If it's not listed, it's most likely a scam.

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6. Complaining to Service Providers to Take Scam Websites Offline

After filing police reports, you can also take proactive steps — complain to get scam websites taken down as quickly as possible, preventing more people from being victimized.

Step 1: Look Up Domain Registration Information

• Method 1: Open the ScamLens report page — domain registration information is automatically parsed and displayed
• Method 2: Visit whois.com or who.is and enter the scam domain to look it up
• Canadian .ca domains: Visit whois.cira.ca to look it up

Record the: Domain Registrar, DNS Provider, and Hosting Provider.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the Domain Registrar

Registrar	How to Complain	Notes
GoDaddy	[email protected] or supportcenter.godaddy.com/AbuseReport	Typically responds within 24-72 hours
Namecheap	[email protected] or namecheap.com/support/abuse	Relatively fast response, 24-48 hours
Cloudflare	[email protected] or cloudflare.com/abuse/form	Cloudflare is often just the CDN — also complain to the actual hosting provider
Webnames.ca	[email protected]	Canadian domestic registrar
Tucows / Hover	[email protected]	Canadian company, headquartered in Toronto

Complaint Email Template:

Subject: Abuse Report - Fraudulent Domain: [scam domain]

Dear Abuse Team,

I am reporting the domain [scam domain] for fraudulent activity. This website is operating as [scam type: e.g., investment scam / phishing / CRA impersonation] and has defrauded victims in Canada.

Evidence:

• ScamLens threat report: https://scamlens.org/en/report/[domain]
• Police report / CAFC reference number: [number]
• [Other evidence description]

I request immediate suspension of this domain to prevent further victims.

Regards, [Your Name]

Step 3: File a Complaint with CIRA (.ca Domains)

If the scam website uses a .ca domain, you can complain to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA):

• Website: cira.ca
• CIRA Dispute Resolution Policy (CDRP): Submit a domain dispute
• Email: [email protected]
• CIRA has the authority to suspend .ca domains that violate usage policies

Step 4: File a Complaint with the Hosting Provider

1. View the server IP on the ScamLens report page
2. Look up the IP's hosting company at ipinfo.io
3. Send a complaint email to the hosting company's abuse department (same format as above)

Step 5: Report to Search Engines and Browsers

• Google Safe Browsing: Go to safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/ to submit a report
• Microsoft (Edge/Bing): Report via microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/support/report-unsafe-site
• PhishTank: Submit phishing websites at phishtank.org

Step 6: Report to Payment Processors

• Stripe: Contact the support team at stripe.com to report merchant fraud
• PayPal: Log in to PayPal → Resolution Center → Report unauthorized activity
• Square: squareup.com/help → Report fraud

Step 7: File a Complaint with the SSL Certificate Authority

1. Click the lock icon in your browser's address bar to view the certificate authority
2. Let's Encrypt revocation request: [email protected]
3. Other CAs (DigiCert, Comodo, etc.): Visit their official revocation/abuse pages

Step 8: ICANN Complaint (Last Resort)

If the registrar does not respond to your complaint:

• Go to icann.org/complaint to submit a domain abuse complaint
• ICANN has the authority to penalize non-compliant registrars

Tip: For every complaint step, attaching a ScamLens detection report link (scamlens.org/en/report/[domain]) as third-party evidence increases the credibility and processing speed of your complaint.

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7. Fund Recovery Methods

Credit Card Chargeback — Highest Success Rate

1. Contact your card issuer's dispute department (phone number on the back of your card)
2. State "I'd like to dispute a charge as fraud / unauthorized transaction"
3. Provide the transaction date, amount, and merchant name
4. The bank will initiate a Chargeback with Visa/Mastercard
5. Time Limit: Most banks require disputes within 120 days of the transaction
6. Processing time: typically 30-90 days
7. Credit card chargebacks are one of the strongest consumer protection tools in Canada, with a relatively high success rate

Bank Wire Transfer Recall

1. Contact your bank immediately after discovering the scam: Call your bank's customer service and request a Wire Recall
2. Major bank contact numbers:
   • RBC: 1-800-769-2511
   • TD: 1-866-222-3456
   • Scotiabank: 1-800-472-6842
   • BMO: 1-800-363-9992
   • CIBC: 1-800-465-2422
   • Desjardins: 1-800-224-7737
3. The bank will attempt to contact the receiving bank to freeze the funds
4. Golden Window: Contacting within 24-48 hours after the transfer yields the highest success rate; after 72 hours, the funds have most likely been moved

Interac e-Transfer Dispute

1. Contact your bank and report the e-Transfer fraud
2. If the transfer hasn't been collected yet (pending), the bank can cancel it
3. If it has been collected, the bank will initiate an investigation
4. Also report the fraud on the Interac website at interac.ca
5. Note: The Interac Autodeposit feature means funds are highly likely to be collected instantly — act immediately after discovering the scam

Cryptocurrency Tracing — ScamLens Crypto Trace

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, but blockchain data is publicly transparent, so tracing is still possible:

1. Record the Transaction Hash: Find the Transaction Hash from your wallet/exchange/Bitcoin ATM receipt
2. Use ScamLens Crypto Trace: Go to scamlens.org/en/check-crypto, enter the recipient's address or transaction hash. Supports 18 blockchains, traces up to 20 hops of fund movement, and automatically labels 200+ known entity addresses (exchanges, mixers, DeFi protocols, etc.)
3. Contact the Exchange: If tracing shows funds entered a centralized exchange (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Shakepay, Newton, etc.), immediately contact that exchange's security team with the transaction hash + Police Report Number and request a freeze
4. USDT Freeze Opportunity: If USDT (Tether) is involved, Tether has the authority to freeze USDT in any address. Submit a freeze request to Tether through law enforcement

Small Claims Court — Provincial Monetary Limits

If you know the scammer's real identity and address (rare), you can pursue recovery through small claims court:

Province	Court Name	Monetary Limit
Ontario	Small Claims Court	$35,000
British Columbia	Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)	$5,000 (CRT) / $35,000 (Small Claims)
Alberta	Provincial Court - Civil	$50,000
Quebec	Small Claims Division	$15,000
Saskatchewan	Small Claims Court	$30,000
Manitoba	Court of King's Bench - Small Claims	$15,000
Other Provinces/Territories	Varies	$5,000 - $50,000 range

Fund Recovery Success Rate by Payment Method

Payment Method	Recovery Likelihood	Key Factors
Credit Card (Chargeback)	★★★★☆	Dispute within 120 days; relatively high success rate
Bank Wire (within 24 hours)	★★★☆☆	The faster you contact the bank, the better
Bank Wire (over 72 hours)	★☆☆☆☆	Funds most likely already transferred
Interac e-Transfer (uncollected)	★★★★★	Can be cancelled directly
Interac e-Transfer (collected)	★★☆☆☆	Requires bank investigation and cooperation
Cryptocurrency (entered exchange)	★★☆☆☆	Requires law enforcement cooperation for freezing
Cryptocurrency (through mixer)	★☆☆☆☆	Fund trail is broken
Bitcoin ATM	★☆☆☆☆	Nearly impossible to recover
Gift Cards	★☆☆☆☆	Nearly impossible to recover

The harsh reality: In most cases, scammed funds cannot be fully recovered. But every report you file helps law enforcement accumulate data and identify criminal networks. Even if your specific case doesn't result in fund recovery, your information could be the key piece that helps dismantle an entire criminal organization.

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8. Beware of Recovery Scams

This is the second trap Canadian victims are most likely to fall into. CAFC reports show that many scam victims are subsequently targeted by recovery scams, compounding their losses.

What Is a Recovery Scam?

After being scammed, someone will proactively contact you (via email, phone, or social media) claiming:

• "We're a professional fund recovery company that can get your money back"
• "We're a law firm specializing in online fraud cases"
• "We have government connections / relationships with banks — guaranteed recovery"
• "Just pay an upfront fee / processing fee / tax to start the recovery process"

How to Identify Them

If any of the following apply, it's a recovery scam:

• They require you to pay an upfront fee to start the recovery process
• They contacted you first — legitimate law enforcement agencies will never proactively call saying "we can get your money back"
• They claim a 100% recovery guarantee — no legitimate agency can make such a promise
• They ask you to pay recovery fees via cryptocurrency or gift cards
• They pressure you to "act fast," creating a sense of urgency
• Searching their company name online reveals no reliable registration info or reviews

How to Protect Yourself

• Never pay fees to anyone who claims they can recover your funds
• Pursue fund recovery only through the legitimate channels described in Section 7: banks, credit card companies, law enforcement
• Check these "recovery companies'" websites on ScamLens for their Trust Score
• Report recovery scams to CAFC: 1-888-495-8501

Remember: Scam victim lists circulate on the dark web. Once you've been scammed, your information is likely sold to gangs specializing in recovery scams. They know you were scammed, how much you lost, and even your contact details. Stay vigilant.

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9. Prevention Tips + ScamLens Tools

The best anti-scam strategy is identifying the scam before you become a victim. These habits can significantly reduce your risk:

Daily Protection

1. Install the ScamLens Browser Extension: Visit scamlens.org/en/extension to install. The extension automatically alerts you when you visit suspicious websites — no manual checking needed
2. Develop a "check before you click" habit: When you receive a link from an unknown source, check its Trust Score on ScamLens before deciding whether to open it
3. Verify investment platform credentials: Check registration status at aretheyregistered.ca
4. CRA will never threaten you by phone/text: CRA will never ask you to pay taxes via Bitcoin, gift cards, or Interac e-Transfer
5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on all important accounts (banking, email, social media), preferring an authenticator app over SMS
6. Register with the National Do Not Call List: lnnte-dncl.gc.ca to reduce spam calls
7. Take 10 minutes to cool down on "urgent" requests: Every scam exploits urgency. For any request to "transfer money immediately," stop for 10 minutes and consult someone you trust

Protect Your Family

• Help elderly family members understand common scam types, especially CRA impersonation and tech support scams
• Install the ScamLens browser extension for your family members
• Establish a family "safe word" — if someone claims to be a family member requesting an urgent transfer, verify with the safe word first
• Bookmark this article and share it with family and friends

Follow the ScamLens Community

Regularly check the ScamLens community for the latest reports to stay informed about current scam tactics in Canada. Real-time feedback from community members is often faster than official alerts.

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10. Mental Health Support Resources

The deepest pain after being scammed is often not the financial loss, but the self-blame, shame, and loneliness. You need to know:

Being scammed is not your fault. Modern scams are carefully designed social engineering attacks. Scam teams have professional scripts, psychological training, and AI tools at their disposal. Doctors, professors, engineers, and financial professionals have all been victims. High intelligence does not make you immune to sophisticated scams.

Canadian Mental Health Support Hotlines

Resource	Contact	Hours	Notes
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline	Call or text 988	24/7	Nationwide crisis line launched in 2023
Crisis Services Canada	1-833-456-4566	24/7	National crisis support
Kids Help Phone	1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868	24/7	For youth (including young scam victims)
Crisis Text Line	Text HOME to 741741	24/7	Text-based counseling for when you can't call
211 Canada	Call 211	24/7	Connects you to local community services and mental health resources
Tel-Aide (Quebec)	514-935-1101	24/7	French language service

What You Can Do

• Tell someone you trust — a family member or friend. Don't carry this alone. Sharing your experience is not weakness; it's strength
• Seek professional help — if you experience persistent anxiety, insomnia, or self-blame, tell your Family Doctor. They can provide a referral for counseling
• Channel your anger into action — report the scammer on ScamLens. Your report may prevent the next victim
• Join a victim support community — Reddit's r/Scams community has many Canadian victims sharing their experiences and recovery stories
• Remember: The scammer should feel ashamed, not you

Being a scam victim is not just a financial issue — it's psychological trauma. CAFC research shows that many victims experience anxiety, depression, and trust issues after being scammed. These reactions are completely normal. Please don't suffer alone.

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Being scammed is scary, but not knowing what to do is scarier. This guide covers every step from identification to reporting, from complaints to fund recovery. Bookmark it. Share it. Your one share might help someone take the right action at the most critical moment.

If this article helped you, please share it with more people on ScamLens. Stay safe, Canada.