Frauds and Scams

A finger pushes a Fraud Alert button on a keyboard

The Halton Regional Police Service - Regional Fraud Unit investigates frauds such as:

Fraud against seniors
Counterfeit fraud (currency and other documents)
Credit card fraud and debit card fraud
Cheque fraud
Social assistance (welfare) fraud
Computer fraud (tech support scams)
Identity theft and fraud
Foreign lottery scams
Bitcoin extortion
Corporate fraud

I think someone tried to scam me, but it didn't work. Do I need to report it to police?

If you have received a fraudulent phone call/email/communication and have not provided any personal information or lost any money, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 to file a report for statistical purposes.

I'm a victim of fraud. What should I do?

If you're a victim of fraud and have provided personal information and/or lost money:

Stay calm. Gather all information about the fraud, including documents, receipts, and/or copies of emails and/or text messages.
Place flags on all of your accounts.
Change all of your passwords.
Report the fraud to both credit bureaus (Equifax and TransUnion).
Contact the HRPS Fraud Intake Office by dialing 905-465-8741 (Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or by dialing 905-825-4777.
Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
Depending on the type of fraud, or how it occurred, you'll also want to report it to other organizations.

The HRPS does not accept fraud reports through online reporting or via email.

How do I protect myself from future fraud?

Scammers often target victims of fraud a second or third time with the promise of recovering money. Always do your due diligence and never send recovery money.

Share any updates with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, your financial institutions, and police.

Tell family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers about your experience. You may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.