Where do I report a crypto scam in Canada?

Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online via reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca, file with your local police, and notify your provincial securities regulator through the CSA.

Does the CAFC investigate my case?

No. The CAFC is a national intelligence hub, not an investigator. You must also report to your local police service, who handle the criminal case — keep your police file number.

How do I check if a crypto platform is legitimate in Canada?

Check the CSA's registered-vs-banned crypto platform lists and investor alerts at securities-administrators.ca, and verify the firm with your provincial regulator. Many scams use unregistered platforms.

Reporting guide · 🇨🇦 Canada

How to report a crypto scam in Canada

Report to both the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police, and contact your bank and crypto exchange immediately to try to flag or recall the payment.

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Report online — the fastest step

Use the national Cyber & Fraud reporting system — it's open 24/7 — and call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Report to your local police as well, because the CAFC doesn't investigate individual cases.

Report Cyber & Fraud — file online →

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–16:45 ET).

Who to report to in Canada

•Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — national fraud reporting & intelligence; 1-888-495-8501.
•Your local police — they handle the criminal investigation; file and keep the report number.
•Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) — investor alerts + registered/banned crypto platform lists. Plus your provincial regulator (OSC in Ontario, BCSC in BC, AMF in Québec).

Check before you pay

Before dealing with a crypto or investment platform, check the CSA's investor alerts and its lists of registered vs. banned crypto platforms. You can also verify a firm or individual at aretheyregistered.ca or through your provincial regulator. Many scams use unregistered platforms.

CSA — Investor Alerts →

CSA — registered & banned crypto platforms →

Where to get help & support

•Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — 1-888-495-8501; victim guidance on their site.
•Your local police — for the criminal case and your file number.

Do this right now

•Stop all contact and send no more money — including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
•Ask your bank and the crypto exchange to attempt a freeze or recall of the transfer.
•Preserve evidence: screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the scam website or app.
•Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.

Canada-specific things to know

•Report to both your local police AND the CAFC. The CAFC gathers intelligence but doesn't investigate; your local police handle the case. Note your police file number.
•Report online 24/7 at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca; anonymous reporting is allowed, but include wallet addresses, transaction hashes and exchange names.
•Check whether a crypto platform is registered or banned on the CSA lists before investing — many scams use unregistered platforms.
•Québec residents can also report directly to the AMF; the CAFC line and portal serve every province.

⚠️ Beware "recovery" services. Anyone who contacts you promising to get your money back for an upfront fee is almost always a second scam. See the red flags →

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