Frauds and Scams Database

The promise of high returns on investments that, if they exist, are high-risk products.

A scammer builds trust through a shared connection, and then targets you for a pitch.

Binary options are high-risk, all-or-nothing bets. They are banned in New Brunswick.

Beware of phone calls from someone you don’t know about an investment opportunity.

Scammers use social engineering or computer intrusion to trick businesses into paying money.

A scammer posing as an official from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) demands payment.

Fraudster pretends to be from a collection agency.

Investment scams that convince a person to participate in fraudulent opportunities involving crypto assets.

Licensed door-to-door selling is a legitimate activity.  However, there are situations where scams can happen.  

If you've been targeted once, you’re likely to be targeted again.

A common fraud that targets New Brunswick seniors is the “emergency” or “grandparent” scam.

Beware of employment opportunities that promise you’ll get rich quick.

Exempt securities on their own are not scams. They’re usually sold to wealthy investors who can afford the higher risks of these investments.

Scammers use coercion to unlawfully try to obtain money or services from you.

Beware of “exciting opportunities” to invest on the foreign exchange (FOREX) market.

Beware of anyone asking you to pay a fee, fine, or debt with a gift card.

When someone steals and uses another person’s personal information to carry out fraud.

Someone claiming to be from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) targets newcomers.

Scams involving fraudulent inheritance claims.

Exaggerating the losses in an insurance claim or claiming a loss on something that was never owned can be considered insurance fraud.

Scam artists design fake websites to look like legitimate lending institutions.

There are multiple ways you could be implicated in a mortgage fraud.

This scam promises huge profits if you send your money “off shore” to another country.

Scammers try to get people to invest in fake oil and gas companies or fake investments tied to natural gas, wind, and solar energy.

This scam promotes investment seminars offering you an opportunity to, "maximize tax flow”, or, "pay less tax".

Phishing is an attempt to steal your personal information by masquerading as an authentic organization.

An investment fraud that’s made to seem plausible by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors.

You “win” a big prize that doesn't actually exist.

Your investment helps boost the value of a stock—at which point the scam artist sells their shares, devaluing your shares.

This scheme promises large gifts or payments in exchange for recruiting and enrolling others.

Scams that target individuals searching for rental properties.

Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners.

A scammer convinces you to use your RRSP savings to buy shares in a company.

When someone steals your personal information by “looking over your shoulder” in a public place. 

Spam is unsolicited messages that advertise a product, phish, or spread malware.

New products or inventions are often risky investments.

As unclaimed property programs come into effect in Canada, companies inevitably pop up offering to do searches for a fee.

A supposedly official person promises a huge financial payout—if you pay some fees.