Fraud Prevention Month Highlights the Hidden Crime

Impacting Canada and North Bay

Fraud is often described as a hidden crime and one that does not always leave visible damage but can have lasting financial and emotional impacts on victims. Increasingly, fraud is facilitated through technology, carried out across borders and connected to organized criminal networks operating well beyond local communities.

During Fraud Prevention Month, police services and partners across North Bay are coming together to raise awareness about how fraud is evolving and why awareness, education and reporting remain critical.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, North Bay Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Anishinabek Police Service are working collaboratively to help residents recognize fraud tactics, understand the risks and take action to protect themselves.

While fraud can begin with a single phone call, email or online message, investigations increasingly show that many frauds are part of larger, organized operations that rely on digital platforms, anonymity and speed to reach victims across jurisdictions.

In 2025, reported fraud losses in Canada exceeded $700M, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Fraud remains significantly underreported, with an estimated 5 to 10% of incidents reported.

Preventing fraud requires collaboration across policing, government and community partners. By sharing information and aligning messaging, partners are working to strengthen prevention efforts, support victims and reduce opportunities for fraud.

Quotes

“Reporting fraud is critical to support investigations, and to help us identify patterns, warn others, and prevent additional victims. These crimes often originate beyond our borders and involve complex networks, making prevention and public awareness our strongest defence. Beyond the financial loss, we see firsthand the emotional toll fraud takes on members of our community. By staying informed, speaking up, and reporting incidents, we can work together to protect one another.”

Scott McFarlane, Inspector
Criminal investigations Section
North Bay Police Service

“Fraud is one of the few crimes where education is our most effective prevention tool. Too often, victims feel embarrassed or ashamed and choose not to report what happened, which only allows these crimes to continue. By talking openly about fraud, sharing information within our communities, and encouraging people to slow down and verify before acting, we can reduce victimization before it occurs. Community engagement isn’t just key to solving crime, when it comes to fraud, it’s how we prevent it.”

Andrew Kraemer, Acting Inspector
Ontario Provincial Police
Interim Detachment Commander
North Bay/Powassan/Mattawa Detachments

“Fraud Prevention Month highlights that fraud is not a hidden crime when communities work together. At the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, we rely on strong partnerships with police services like North Bay Police, the OPP and Anishinaabek Police Service to fight fraud collectively. Local reporting fuels national awareness. When individuals come forward, they help law enforcement identify trends, disrupt criminal networks and prevent further victimization. Reporting fraud is one of the most powerful prevention tools we have.”

Jeff Thomson, Acting Manager In Charge
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

“Fraud knows no boundaries and the consequences can ripple across communities both socially and financially. As the Anishinabek Police Service, we are committed to partnering with our municipal, provincial and federal policing partners to raise awareness, support victims, and ensure reported incidents lead to effective action. Reporting fraud is the first and most important step in protecting our community members.”

Jeff Skye, Chief of Police
Anishinabek Police Service

What residents can do

• Fraud Prevention Month encourages residents to take simple but effective steps to reduce risk
• Be cautious of unexpected or urgent requests for money or personal information
• Take time to verify before sending funds or sharing details
• Discuss fraud attempts openly with family, friends and colleagues
• Report fraud, even if no money was lost
• Reporting helps law enforcement and partners identify trends, disrupt criminal networks and prevent others from becoming victims.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by fraud is encouraged to contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Online: Report Cybercrime and Fraud

Phone: 1-888-495-8501