You received a threatening call claiming to be from the government? Someone called pretending to be your grandchild in distress? You were asked to pay with gift cards? Phone fraud is among the most common in Quebec and particularly targets seniors.
60%
of fraud starts with a phone call
65+
most targeted age group
$9,000
average loss
Common Types of Phone Fraud
1. Fake Government Calls
- CRA threatening arrest for unpaid taxes
- Immigration threatening deportation
- Police claiming your SIN was used in a crime
2. Grandparent Scam
- Caller pretends to be grandchild in trouble
- Claims to need money urgently for bail, accident, etc.
- Asks you not to tell other family members
3. Tech Support Scam
- Claims your computer has a virus
- Asks for remote access
- Demands payment to "fix" the problem
Important to Know
The government will NEVER call to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
What to Do
- Hang up — Don't engage with the caller
- Don't call back — The number may be spoofed
- Verify independently — Call the organization at their official number
- Never pay with gift cards — No legitimate organization accepts gift cards
- Report to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — 1-888-495-8501
How Report Quebec Can Help You
- Documentation of the incident
- Guidance to recover your money if you paid
- Official record for authorities
Victim of Phone Fraud?
Document your case with us. Your report helps identify scammers.
File a Report