Uncovering fraud: Facing the victims of fraud

March is Fraud Prevention Month #FPM2025, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) will focus on uncovering fraud — the tactics criminals use to create convincing identities, impact of victims and what we are doing to fight fraud. Fraudsters are experts at disguising themselves and creating false identities to manipulate, deceive, and steal from their victims. By exposing these deceptive practices, we aim to empower Canadians to spot fraud before it happens.

This week, we look to uncover the effects of fraud has on victims. Fraud affects many Canadians every year, causing not only financial losses but also emotional and psychological harm. Despite the widespread impact, fraud is often minimized with dismissive phrases like "it’s just a scam" or "buyer beware". This attitude contributes to victim shaming leading to further negative effects on victims and ultimately lower reporting rates. Fraud is a serious crime with lasting consequences. Dismissing it as “just a scam” ignores the harm it causes which can lead to feelings of shame among victims. By treating fraud with the gravity it deserves, we can create a supportive environment where victims feel empowered to seek the help and support they need.

Fraud can have a wide range of effects on victims, including:

Financial loss

Victims often lose significant amounts of money, sometimes their life savings, making recovery extremely difficult

Emotional distress

Fraud can lead to feelings of betrayal, anger, and sadness, particularly if the scam involved a personal or emotional connection

Psychological effects

Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress after being defrauded

Social isolation

Shame and embarrassment can make victims withdraw from family and friends, further compounding their distress

Loss of trust

Many victims struggle to trust others after being scammed, especially if the perpetrator posed as a trustworthy authority figure or loved one

It’s crucial to acknowledge that anyone can be a victim to fraud, regardless of their age, education, or background. Fraudsters continuously change their methods, making it increasingly difficult to identify fraud when it is happening. By breaking the stigma surrounding fraud victimization, we can encourage victims to come forward and report incidents without fear of judgment.

Date modified:

2025-03-17