On March 5, the Toronto Police Service released data on reported fraud cases in 2024 and urged the public to remain vigilant.
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Number of fraud cases reported to Toronto Police: 16,743
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Total reported losses: Over CAD 368 million ※
According to the police, many fraud cases begin as romance scams, where the perpetrator builds a fake emotional or trusting relationship with the victim. Once trust is established, they often introduce investment opportunities or financial troubles to extract money.
The Consulate has also received inquiries from individuals involved in similar cases. These include situations where scammers connect with victims via video chat on social media, then threaten to release recordings or images unless money is sent.
If you fall victim to fraud, the only recourse is to report and consult with the police. However, authorities warn that identifying perpetrators and recovering lost funds is extremely difficult.
As a precaution, be aware of these types of scams—especially online. Avoid trusting others too quickly, stay cautious, and report or consult with the police at the first sign of anything suspicious.
※ Police estimate that the actual number of victims and total financial losses may be 5 to 10 times higher, as many people do not report incidents due to embarrassment or shame.
Toronto Police Service announcement:
https://www.tps.ca/media-centre/stories/protect-yourself-from-fraud/
