The number of reported scams and frauds in Manitoba continues to climb, siphoning tens of millions of dollars from the bank accounts and wallets of hundreds — if not thousands — of residents each year.
With Fraud Prevention Month now underway, the Manitoba RCMP is reminding the public that fraudsters use a wide range of tactics to separate people from their money.
“Fraud is increasingly a problem in Manitoba, across Canada and around the world,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Unit. “We encourage Manitobans of all ages to remain vigilant and do your research before making payments or sharing banking and other personal information, particularly when individuals you don’t know are reaching out in person or online for any reason.”
According to the latest annual report from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Manitobans reported losing approximately $31 million to scams in 2024 alone. Officials caution that the true figure is likely far higher, as only an estimated five to 10 per cent of victims report fraud to law enforcement.
Frauds range from relatively simple schemes — such as phishing texts requesting payment information for a package never ordered — to increasingly sophisticated operations. Some scams now involve artificial intelligence to create convincing “deep fakes” that lend credibility to bogus investment opportunities.
The most commonly reported frauds in Manitoba include identity theft, false or misleading service-related promotions, and scams posing as investment opportunities.
While seniors are often perceived as the most vulnerable, police say scammers target all age groups. National data shows the average dollar amount lost by victims in their 40s is nearly as high as that reported by victims in their 80s.
Police are offering several reminders to help residents protect themselves:
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Offers of large inheritances or lottery winnings in exchange for “processing fees” are not legitimate. Nor are buyers who offer more than the asking price for items listed for sale online.
- Be cautious of unsolicited contact. Phone calls, texts or emails from unknown individuals or organizations pressuring you to purchase goods or services you never expressed interest in should raise red flags.
- Safeguard personal information. Avoid sharing personal details with strangers, particularly over the phone or online. Be mindful of what is posted on social media.
- Verify before you act. A caller claiming to be a grandchild in need of bail money or a company threatening to cut off service over an unfamiliar overdue bill may not be legitimate. Ask detailed questions and, if necessary, hang up and contact the individual or organization directly using a known phone number.
Anyone who believes they have been defrauded is encouraged to report the incident to their local RCMP detachment or police service. Police say reporting fraud can help investigators identify patterns, link suspects and prevent others from becoming victims.
Victims are also asked to file a report with the National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System, which serves as a central repository for fraud and cybercrime reports across Canada. Additional information is available through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
