Date: August 23, 2026
Reporter: Ifeanyi Ejiofor
TORONTO, Canada — Canadian authorities are warning people who have previously been victims of fraud to remain vigilant after criminals began impersonating the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) in an effort to scam victims a second time.
The CAFC says it has received an increasing number of reports involving fraudsters who contact previous victims by telephone, email or social media and falsely claim to be working with the agency as part of an investigation.
The criminals reportedly use the credibility of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to convince victims that they can help recover money lost in an earlier scam.
Fraud Victims Targeted Again
Authorities say the latest scheme is particularly concerning because criminals are deliberately targeting people who have already experienced financial fraud.
Fraudsters may have information about an individual's previous experience and use that knowledge to make their approach appear legitimate.
The scammers may claim they are fraud investigators working with a bank, credit card company, government agency or another trusted organization.
They can then tell the victim that suspicious transactions have been detected or that their banking information has been compromised.
According to the CAFC, criminals may use these claims to persuade victims to provide personal information, banking details or money.
Criminals Pretend to Be Fraud Investigators
The CAFC says scammers can create convincing stories to make victims believe they are dealing with legitimate investigators.
A fraudster may claim that an investigation is underway into the original fraud and that the victim's assistance is required.
In some cases, victims may be told they need to transfer money temporarily, provide access to their accounts or disclose sensitive financial information before their supposedly recovered funds can be returned.
Authorities stress that these requests should immediately raise suspicion. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre does not require victims to surrender their banking credentials or send money to scammers claiming to be investigators.
Scammers Use Trusted Names
Impersonation is a common feature of modern fraud schemes because criminals understand that victims are more likely to cooperate when they believe they are dealing with a recognized institution.
The CAFC says fraudsters may claim to represent financial institutions, major credit-card providers, businesses or government agencies.
By combining the identity of a trusted organization with information about a previous fraud, criminals can make their stories appear more believable.
This tactic can be particularly effective against people who are already anxious about recovering money they previously lost.
How the Scam Works
The fraud can begin with an unexpected telephone call, email or social-media message.
The criminal may introduce themselves as a fraud investigator and claim that they have identified the people responsible for the victim's previous financial loss.
The fraudster may then promise to recover the stolen money. After establishing trust, the criminal attempts to obtain sensitive information or convince the victim to send money.
The CAFC is warning Canadians not to assume that a caller is legitimate simply because the person knows details about a previous fraud complaint.
Warning Signs Canadians Should Watch For
People should be especially cautious if someone claiming to represent the CAFC:
- Requests banking passwords or security codes.
- Asks for remote access to a computer or mobile device.
- Demands an upfront payment to recover stolen money.
- Requests cryptocurrency, gift cards or unusual forms of payment.
- Pressures the victim to act immediately.
- Claims that the victim's bank account is under investigation and money must be transferred.
- Uses threats or intimidation to prevent the victim from contacting their bank or police.
Unexpected requests for sensitive financial information should be treated as a warning sign.
Victims Should Not Be Embarrassed
Fraud experts regularly remind Canadians that becoming a victim of fraud is not a sign of carelessness or lack of intelligence.
Scammers deliberately manipulate people's emotions and may spend considerable time building trust before making a financial request.
People who have already lost money can be particularly vulnerable because they may desperately want to recover their funds.
Criminals exploit that vulnerability by presenting themselves as people who can provide assistance.
Report Suspicious Activity
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre collects information about fraud and identity theft and uses reports to help identify trends and support law-enforcement investigations.
The Government of Canada also advises Canadians to report scams or attempted fraud to the CAFC, even when no money was lost.
People who believe they have been targeted should also contact their financial institution as soon as possible if banking information or funds may have been compromised.
A Growing Challenge for Canadians
The latest warning highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by fraudsters across Canada.
Criminals are no longer relying solely on random approaches. Instead, they are increasingly using information about potential victims to create personalized and convincing scams.
Targeting people who have already experienced fraud represents another level of exploitation because the criminals are attempting to take advantage of victims' existing fears and hopes of recovering their money.
Authorities Urge Canadians to Stay Alert
The CAFC is urging Canadians to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, particularly when the person contacting them claims to represent a government agency or financial institution.
People should independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an investigator before providing information or taking action.
Most importantly, Canadians should remember that being contacted by someone who knows about a previous fraud does not automatically mean the person is connected to law enforcement or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Conclusion
The latest scam warning serves as a reminder that fraud victims can become targets more than once.
Criminals impersonating the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre are reportedly using claims of ongoing investigations and promised assistance with recovering stolen money to establish credibility with previous fraud victims.
Canadians should avoid providing sensitive financial information, sending money or granting remote access to anyone who contacts them unexpectedly claiming to be a fraud investigator.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should report the incident and immediately take steps to protect their financial accounts.
Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor fraud warnings from Canadian authorities and provide updates on emerging scams targeting Canadians.
Source: CityNews Toronto and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.