How to spot an investment scam in Canada, and check who you are dealing with

Investment fraud cost Canadians $351 million in 2025, the largest reported fraud loss. Warning signs, how to check registration, where to report.

Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.

In short

Canadians reported more than $704 million in fraud losses in 2025; investment fraud was the largest, at $351 million.
Warning signs: high returns with no risk, pressure to buy now, unanswered questions and requests to pay in crypto.
Check anyone selling investments in the National Registration Search (aretheyregistered.ca), and report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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The numbers

Period	Reported	Source
2025, all fraud	More than $704 million lost; over 112,000 reports	CAFC, February 25, 2026
2025, investment fraud	$351 million lost; 4,409 reports; 3,867 victims	CAFC, February 25, 2026
First half of 2026, all fraud	About $351 million lost	CAFC, August 25, 2026
First half of 2026, investment fraud	About $139.6 million lost	CAFC, August 25, 2026

Warning signs

The BC Securities Commission's five key warning signs:

High return, no risk, guaranteed.
Fear of missing out.
The trust trap: an offer through someone you know, or who shares your background.
Pressure to buy: it is always okay to say no.
Questions not answered: walk away.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre adds: unsolicited investment offers (even from friends and family), fake cryptocurrency websites and requests to pay in cryptocurrency.

Check before you pay

Search the person and the firm in the National Registration Search (aretheyregistered.ca). It shows registration status, categories and any terms or conditions.
People and firms banned in BC are on the BCSC's Disciplined List, not in the registration search; see Checking registration.
Check the BCSC Investment Caution List, which warns about entities that are not registered, promote investments with signs of fraud or impersonate real firms.
For crypto platforms, see our crypto platform guide.

Report it

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern), or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.
Your local police.
In BC, the BC Securities Commission: 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393, inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca.

Money Globe X never holds your funds and never asks you to send money or crypto to anyone.

Questions

How do I check if an investment adviser is registered in Canada?

Search the National Registration Search at aretheyregistered.ca, run by the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Where do I report investment fraud in Canada?

To the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501 or reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca) and your local police.

How much did Canadians lose to investment fraud in 2025?

$351 million reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the largest loss of any fraud type.

What are the signs of an investment scam?

High returns with no risk, pressure to buy, unanswered questions, unsolicited offers and requests to pay in crypto.

Sources

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Last checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.