A newcomer client who was befriended by someone through Facebook was scammed for $17,000 via a fraudulent Bitcoin app. One of our program workers with the Library Settlement Partnership assisted the client to report the fraud to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online reporting system.

Although the client is currently aware that it is unlikely to get her money back, she is very grateful for the assistance provided. There are many more victims of common scams who are in even worse situations.

The client was also given resources to Fraud Prevention and the Little Black Book of Scams (in Mandarin) published by the Competition Bureau that highlights the variety of never-ending frauds aimed at newcomers to Canada and explains what to do if you are targeted.

Some important links to use if you want to report a scam, fraud or cybercrime:

In Toronto, if the fraud is under $5000, it can be reported via Citizen Online Report Entry (CORE).

If it is over $5000, it should be reported via the Non-Emergency Number – 416-808-2222.

The Little Black Book of Scams, published by the Competition Bureau, can be downloaded in 8 different languages.

Screenshots of the ZOOM meeting while assisting the client to file her fraud report through The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website: