Aug 26, 2026
Cybercriminals are exploiting the paranoia of previous scam victims by using the branding, logo and name of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to target individuals who have already lost money to online and financial schemes, according to national authorities.
The federal agency issued an alert detailing a rise in scheme tactics where swindlers contact past targets via phone, email or social media while pretending to be official investigators offering a chance to recover stolen funds.
Fake logos and official documents used to deceive
Authorities note that perpetrators often present fake letterhead or falsified documentation bearing government insignias to convince recipients that an active investigation is underway.
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“They may tell you there are unauthorized transactions on your account or that your banking information has been compromised,” the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre said in an advisory regarding fake investigator tactics.
The deceptive practice, broadly categorized as recovery fraud, relies on exploiting a victim’s desire to retrieve lost assets. Fraudsters demand upfront fees under the guise of legal costs, taxes, administrative processing or security deposits before any funds can be released. In other instances, victims are asked to move funds into supposedly secure accounts or provide remote computer access.
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Recovery fraud losses continue to climb
According to statistical data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, recovery pitches and investigator impersonations account for tens of millions of dollars in losses annually. In 2025 alone, Canadians lost over $25.9 million specifically to recovery pitch schemes, alongside an additional $28.3 million lost to fraudulent investigator impersonation scams.
Agency officials issued a direct warning regarding any demands for upfront payment to restore missing funds.
“If someone asks you to pay money to recover money you have already lost, it is a fraud,” officials stated.
The advisory stressed that legitimate law enforcement organizations and government agencies will never demand money transfers, request remote device control, ask for online banking credentials or instruct citizens to participate in undercover operations by sending funds.
How Canadians can protect themselves
Canadians who receive unexpected communications claiming to be from financial institutions or anti-fraud bodies are advised to end the call immediately. Individuals should verify claims independently by using the telephone number printed on the back of their debit or credit card rather than relying on phone numbers provided by unsolicited callers.
Anyone targeted by suspicious contacts should file a report with their local police department as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
