Canadians lost $106.4 million to fraud in 2020, $62.6 million of which was related to online fraud. 11,789 Canadians have lost $7.2 million to COVID-19 related fraud since March last year. In addition to the tens of thousands of fraud cases reported each year, many more go unreported. Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers encourages you to anonymously report what you know about any incident of fraud to them if you don’t want to be identified, or fear giving out your name to anyone.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

 VANCOUVER - Fraud remains one of the most troublesome and persistent crimes for Canadians, costing us millions of dollars each year, according to Crime Stoppers.

Canada’s Top 10 Frauds (by number of reports in 2020 – Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre):

Extortion                                                         17,390

Identity fraud                                                16,970  

Personal information                                   6,649    

Phishing                                                          3,672    

Merchandise                                                 3,354    

Victim vendor    (payment scam)               2,320    

Job scams                                                      2,297    

Service oriented                                            2,009    

Spear phishing (targeting business)          1,049    

Emergency (fraudulent calls)                     924

In addition to the tens of thousands of fraud cases reported each year, many more go unreported. Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers encourages you to anonymously report what you know about any incident of fraud to them if you don’t want to be identified, or fear giving out your name to anyone.

Canadians lost $106.4 million to fraud in 2020, $62.6 million of which was related to online fraud.

11,789 Canadians have lost $7.2 million to COVID-19 related fraud since March last year.

Canadians lost $18.5 million to a growing number of romance scams in 2020; fraudsters targeting victims by offering companionship or love online during the pandemic.

In just the first two months of 2021, 7,646 Canadians have already lost $34.6 million to all manner of fraud.

“Those who commit these kinds of crimes are rarely amateurs and know how to prey on people’s fears,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and it’s a good time to remind everyone that no one can identify who you are when you call Crime Stoppers anonymously with information that could lead to these criminals being found and arrested. We’re available 24/7, we can take your information in 115 languages and you could be eligible for a reward of up to $5000.”

Anonymous tips may be provided though Crime Stoppers’ downloadable “P3” app for Apple and Android phones, calling Crime Stoppers at 1-855-448-8477 (new number) or 1-800-222- 8477, online at solvecrime.ca, or by following the link on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.  Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers accepts tips in 115 different languages and will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a criminal, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim. Tipsters stay anonymous by using code numbers to check back later and collect their rewards. Find MVCS on Twitter: @solvecrime.