Start with the next useful step.

Money sent? Contact the financial institution now.

Use the number on your card, statement or official banking app—not a number in the suspicious message. Contact the institution or payment provider that transferred the money. Ask what can be stopped or secured.

Card or banking details shared? Contact your financial institution immediately using known details, even if you have not sent money or seen a charge. Ask what needs to be secured and how to monitor transactions.

Do not send more money. A reversal, reimbursement or recovery is not guaranteed.

Protect exposed accounts and devices.

If you shared a password or verification code, use the provider’s official recovery process. Change exposed passwords and any reused ones. Ask about active sessions and account protection. Use another trusted device if yours may be compromised.

If you allowed remote access, disconnect the affected device from the internet to interrupt the connection and get help from a technician you independently trust. Avoid sensitive tasks on it until it has been checked.

Opened a suspicious attachment or installed something? Stop using that file or app. Get device-check guidance from the device maker or a technician you independently trust. Do not install a “fix” offered by the suspicious message or pop-up. Use another trusted device for sensitive accounts while the affected device is checked.

If identity information was misused, CAFC recommends flagging accounts, changing passwords and reporting to both Equifax and TransUnion. Follow the official victim guidance for current details.

Keep evidence. Contact local police.

Save messages, dates, receipts and transaction details if you can do so safely. Do not re-engage with the suspected scammer to collect more information.

If you have been a victim, contact local police as soon as possible and ask for a file number. Find your police service’s non-emergency contact independently. Local police—not this website—investigate.

Report through the official Canadian service.

Victims and witnesses can report fraud or cybercrime. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre links to the current official portal below and offers an anonymous reporting option.

Open official reporting portal ↗

Prefer telephone reporting?
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
Monday–Friday, 10 am–4:45 pm Eastern time; closed on holidays.

Checked October 5, 2026. Confirm current access and hours on CAFC’s reporting page. Reporting does not guarantee an investigation or recovery.

Be careful of recovery promises.

Fraudsters may contact you again, claiming they can recover your money for an advance fee. Knowledge of the first incident does not make them legitimate. Do not give an unknown contact remote access or pay an advance recovery fee.

Ask a trusted person to sit with you while you take these steps. You do not have to explain the situation to a whole group.