CAFC 2022 Annual Report

Executive summary

The 2022 Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) Annual Report (the Report) provides a statistical review of fraud reporting to the CAFC, observed between January 1 and December 31, 2022. From these observations, the Report highlights significant trends in fraud and identity crimes. Additionally, the Report provides an overview of the CAFC's ongoing efforts and response to the dynamic fraud threat environment.

Highlighted are several important fraud and identity crimes reporting trends. 2022 was a significant year for Canadian fraud victimization and losses. The CAFC observed four ongoing and overarching trends during this time:

1. Fraud is leading to larger losses - In 2021, the CAFC observed approximately $383 million in reported victim losses. In 2022, this number drastically increased to $530.4 million ^{Endnote 1}
2. Fraud is becoming more personal - The CAFC received many reports of fraudsters and cybercriminals openly threatening victims, and using explicit content and personal and financial information to extort victims and their families. Victims are not just losing money or information, but are also exposed to situations of psychological and emotional harm
3. Fraud and cybercrime are targeting every age demographic - Another mistaken assumption is that fraud only victimizes seniors and vulnerable populations. Although reports by individuals aged 60+ outnumbered all other age groups in 2021, there was a drastic shift in reporting by age range in 2022. All age demographics are becoming targeted by fraud in 2022. Younger age groups are increasingly being victimized by nuanced and age-specific forms of fraud
4. Fraud is enabled by easier access to personal information - With Canadians posting more personal or specific information on accessible sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, fraud operations are using this public information to create targeted and more believable fraud scenarios. Fraudsters can learn about someone’s friend groups, work, career aspirations, hobbies and interests, and financial situations through these mediums. Information stolen through cybercrime can also be obtained by fraudsters. This trend leads to specific, advanced and believable fraud attempts, increasing the potential for victimization

Visit the Government of Canada Publications to access the entire Annual Report.