Latest news with #CAFC
Cision Canada
12-08-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Keziah's Secret Armour: A New Children's E-Book Spotlights the Strength of Young People in Care
A youth-led collaboration with Children's Aid Foundation of Canada TORONTO, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - In honour of International Youth Day, Children's Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) is proud to announce the release of Keziah's Secret Armour. This free, beautifully illustrated children's e-book shines a light on the courage, resilience, and strength of young people involved in the child welfare system. This is Keziah's story, a young woman with lived experience of foster care and a member of CAFC's Young People's Advisory Council, this heartfelt story follows a young girl whose world is turned upside down when she enters care. Each new foster home brings uncertainty, but also strength, hope, and a growing sense of identity. Keziah's Secret Armour reminds us that we all carry the strength to survive and thrive, especially when a caring community supports us. Produced for the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada Gala - Teddy Bear Affair, Keziah's Secret Armour received such an overwhelming response that Keziah and the Foundation knew it needed to reach a broader audience. "There are an estimated 61,000 young people in care in Canada today, and another 300,000 at risk of entering the system. Too many face ongoing challenges like poverty, homelessness, and mental health struggles. Keziah's is just one story. We want this story to raise awareness and inspire support for youth across the country —young people who are courageously navigating systems and challenges that many Canadians never see and who deserve every opportunity to thrive," said Valerie McMurtry, President & CEO, Children's Aid Foundation of Canada. Written by and illustrated by acclaimed artist Tim Shinn, the book is both emotionally moving and visually compelling. It's a story for children, families, educators, and community members, especially in the Black community, where systemic inequities continue to see Black youth overrepresented in the child welfare system. As Canada's leading charity dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system, Children's Aid Foundation of Canada works to remove barriers and unlock opportunities, offering the kinds of support and encouragement reflected in Keziah's story. "This book is for every young person who's ever felt alone, and every adult who wants to understand and uplift them," says Keziah. "It's my way of showing that healing is possible, and that support can make all the difference." Download Keziah's Secret Armour free today by visiting: to get your free digital copy. Enter your name and email address to receive the book directly in your inbox. About Keziah Keziah lives in Ottawa, Ontario, where she's pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Social Impact. She is passionate about her work in the nonprofit sector, where she focuses on creating financial access for the communities closest to her heart. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, exploring music and the arts, spending time with her cat, and cooking for friends and family. Looking ahead, Keziah is committed to advocating for systems change within the child welfare sector. Children's Aid Foundation of Canada is our country's leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system. Through a national network of agency partners and a strong community of donors and advocates, we help young people build resilience, access education, improve their well-being, and reach their full potential.
Cision Canada
24-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
International Collaboration Successfully Intercepts and Returns $2.3M Fraudulent Transfer
OTTAWA, ON , July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre (CAFC) and the Hong Kong Police Force's Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) successfully helped recover CAD $2.3 million following a cross-border business email compromise (BEC) fraud targeting a Canadian law firm in the Vancouver area. Spear phishing and BEC scams are highly targeted attacks where fraudsters impersonate trusted contacts; often executives, legal advisors, or vendors to trick individuals or companies into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information. In this case, the fraud involved a spear phishing attack that tricked the Canadian firm into wiring funds to a fraudulent account in Hong Kong . After identifying the suspicious transfer, a local bank in Hong Kong promptly alerted the ADCC. Swift cooperation with Canadian authorities, including the CAFC, led to the interception and return of the full amount to the defrauded firm. How to protect your organization against spear phishing and BEC: Verify all payment requests especially if there's a change in banking details. Contact the sender using a trusted phone number, not the one provided in the email. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email and banking systems. Educate staff on how to recognize phishing red flags, such as downloading attachments, or clicking on unexpected links. Avoid logging in to business accounts through links in unsolicited emails or texts. Businesses are encouraged to implement internal controls such as requiring dual authorization for wire transfers and regularly reviewing cybersecurity protocols. If you believe you or your organization has been targeted by spear phishing or a BEC scam, report it immediately to the CAFC (online or by calling 1-888-495-8501). Quote "This recovery demonstrates the power of global partnerships in the fight against fraud . Through trusted coordination and timely intelligence exchange with our colleagues at the Hong Kong Police Force, we not only helped a Canadian business avoid a significant loss, but also disrupted criminal activity at the international level." - Chris Lynam , Director General, Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre Quick facts $67.5M in losses to spear phishing was reported to the CAFC in 2024. in losses to spear phishing was reported to the CAFC in 2024. Overall, $647M losses were reported to the CAFC in 2024. It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report to the CAFC. losses were reported to the CAFC in 2024. It is estimated that only 5-10% of victims report to the CAFC. The CAFC is Canada's central repository for data, intelligence and resource material as it relates to fraud . It provides timely, accurate and useful information to assist citizens, businesses, law enforcement and government agencies. central repository for data, intelligence and resource material as it relates to . It provides timely, accurate and useful information to assist citizens, businesses, law enforcement and government agencies. Stay informed and exercise caution to avoid falling victim. Visit the CAFC website regularly to get more tips and information. If you believe you have been a victim of this or a similar scam, immediately contact your bank, local police, and the CAFC. Associated links Link: SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations and Issues Management Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Media Relations, [email protected]
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mail scams are still targeting Canadians even today – here's what to watch for
As a compliance and anti-fraud professional, Amber D. Scott is no stranger to scams. But even she was surprised to find one waiting in her community mailbox, addressed directly to her. The letter purported to be from Ledger, a maker of cryptocurrency hardware wallets, asking her to scan a QR code to enable a new security feature. If she didn't complete the setup by July 30, the letter says she could lose access to her cryptocurrency. Scott, chairperson of Outlier Compliance Group, says the letter had several hallmarks of legitimacy at first glance. It contained no obvious spelling mistakes, listed devices a recipient might own, included brand logos and provided a signature. It also created a sense of urgency by imposing a deadline, she says. 'There's likely a higher open rate when you get a piece of mail addressed to you,' she added, whereas it's easier to delete an email. The scam Scott encountered is part of a growing trend of increasingly sophisticated fraud targeting Canadians, sometimes even through old-fashioned mail. While many scams have moved online, experts warn that physical letters can appear highly convincing and prey on urgency or fear. Canadians lost over $342 million to fraud in the first six months of 2025, according to Jeff Horncastle, client and communications outreach officer for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). Roughly $827,000 of that was a result of mail fraud. In 2024, investment fraud — including cryptocurrency scams — was among the top three fraud types reported to the CAFC, accounting for more than $310 million in losses. While cyber-enabled fraud accounts for about 75 per cent of reported losses to the CAFC, the organization has noted an increase in certain types of mail fraud, such as foreign money offers which include inheritance letters. Mail scams continue to deceive Canadians because they look official, Horncastle says. Printed letters often mimic the formatting and logos of those they're impersonating, and they can include real details, including your name and contact information. Fraudsters may also lure victims with promises of rewards or large amounts of money via what appears to be formal communications, he says. Scott says her approach to anything cryptocurrency related is to assume it's a scam, and then try to disprove that hypothesis. She didn't scan the QR code as advised, and suspects it would have led to a fake Ledger site asking her to download information or enter private keys or seed phrases (a crypto wallet recovery passcode) that would give scammers access to cryptocurrency. Or, it might automatically download malware that steals crypto automatically, she says. Horncastle similarly recommends Canadians not to scan QR codes received through unsolicited messages, which include letters in the mail. Always contact the company or agency by finding their official contact information first — outside of what appears in the letter. When doing so, Scott recommends searchers avoid any websites that don't look familiar. 'People can be less critical when they're evaluating Google search results,' she said. To debunk the scam, Scott also searched online for the suggested 'Ledger transaction check' alongside the word 'scam' and quickly found a warning from Ledger itself. The company confirmed it does not send physical letters to customers, suggesting such scams have circulated before. The scams may possibly be related to a previous data breach involving customer names and addresses, Scott says. She recommends others also search for two related terms + 'scam' when receiving suspicious communications. To break the sense of urgency scams create, Scott recommends taking a beat and talking to other people about what has been received — or find other ways to reflect on how to respond. It will decrease a sense of agitation that could spur a quick reaction. 'This is the challenge of our times,' she said. 'Figuring out what's real and true.' If you suspect a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Canadians have already lost $103 million to crypto investment scams this year: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Canadians lost $224,201,739 to cryptocurrency investment in 2024, and so far have lost $103,172,872 in 2025, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. (Pexels / Jakub Zerdzicki) Canadians lost $224,201,739 to cryptocurrency investment in 2024, and so far have lost $103,172,872 this year alone, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Cryptocurrency fraud usually involves fake videos generated with artificial intelligence (AI), that feature prominent politicians or celebrities promoting fake websites. Two Ontarians CTV News spoke with collectively lost $58,600 after falling victim to separate AI-generated videos advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. 'We got stung big time and we don't want it to happen to anyone else,' said Don Perkins of Stittsville, a community in Ottawa. It was in January when Perkins and his wife, Guylaine Perkins, said they saw a video of then Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, appearing to talk about an investment opportunity that could make them rich. According to the AI-manipulated video, Freeland spoke about the 'opportunity' Canadians could invest in, making them rich. crypto fraud A fake, AI-generated video appears to show former Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, talking about a cryptocurrency investment opportunity. 'We bought into it and got swindled by a pair of smooth talking individuals,' Perkins said. The Perkins said they started out investing with just a few hundred dollars, but eventually handed over their life savings of $42,600. It wasn't until they tried to withdraw the funds that they realized they lost all their money. 'When we went to access the money, they wouldn't give it to us and said we would have to give them $10,000,' said Perkins. Brenda Dionne of Whitby also had a similar experience when she saw an AI-generated video of what seemed to be Prime Minister Mark Carney claiming Canadians could make money investing in cryptocurrency. crypto fraud An AI-generated video appears to show Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussing investing in cryptocurrency. Dionne told CTV News that after she handed over her banking information, the fraudsters cleaned out her bank account and took her life savings of $16,000. 'I could see her doing it and I said 'I don't want you taking money out of my account,'' said Dionne. 'I could see her doing it. I could see her taking my money.' According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2024, crypto investments represented over 70 per cent of overall reported losses to investment fraud. Most of those frauds involved altered videos that used AI to make it appear as if someone was saying to invest in a platform which was actually completely fake. 'If you open up your search engine and you search up cryptocurrency investments, the first five or ten are more than likely to be fraudulent platforms,' said Jeff Horncastle with the CAFC. The centre says that when watching videos online, it's important to remain skeptical and do your own research. The CAFC also urges Canadians to exercise caution when viewing videos that seem too good to be true, or showing public figures saying something out of character, like investing in different platforms. They said these deepfake videos often rely on sensational or provocative content to manipulate others. The Perkins both have health problems and said they invested in hopes of boosting their retirement savings, but instead lost it all. 'I have a bag in my stomach and go to dialysis three times a week. My wife can hardly walk and needs a wheelchair most of the time,' said Perkins. 'This was a portion of our life savings that we had set aside.' CTV News reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney's office about the fake, AI-generated videos but did not get a response.
CTV News
28-06-2025
- CTV News
Local OPP detachment and CAFC fight ‘bank investigator' scams
Members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment are teaming up with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to warn locals about the rise of 'bank investigator' scams. According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP and the CAFC, 'bank investigator' scams involve fraudsters impersonating financial institutions, law enforcement or credit reporting agencies, claiming that a potential victim's bank account has been compromised. Fraud experts say suspects sometimes show that they know a potential victim's personal information (name, date of birth, social insurance number, debit card number, etc.) to seem legitimate. Suspects are also known to be spoofing financial institutions, law enforcement, and credit reporting agencies or providing fraudulent call-back numbers that impersonate the institutions. Scam Variations Southern Georgian Bay OPP and the CAFC outline three variations of bank investigator scams. The first involves a potential victim receiving an automated phone call claiming to be their financial institution, law enforcement, credit card reporting agency, or, in some cases, Amazon, advising of fraudulent transactions in their account. Suspects are then known to request access to the victim's computer to 'investigate' and then show the falsely 'fraudulent' transactions. Fraud experts say the suspects then request the victim's help to continue 'investigating' the criminals who stole their money, where they will ask the victim to send a large amount of money as part of the 'investigation.' The second variation involves suspects already gaining access to a potential victim's debit card number and password but needing more information to get through multi-factor authentication. Suspects are then known to contact the victim, posing as their financial institution and advising the victim that they must provide a code via text or email to confirm their identity. The code provided by the victim gives suspects full access to their bank account. The third variation involves suspects advising a potential victim that they need their debit or credit card from their residence as part of an 'investigation.' Fraud experts say suspects will then go as far as going to a victim's residence to pick up the card. They may even ask the victim to cut the card in half without damaging the chip to appear more legitimate. Suspects are also known to threaten victims that they may be arrested if they do not comply. Protecting Yourself Southern Georgian Bay OPP and the CAFC say criminals use call-spoofing to mislead victims, and, therefore, unfamiliar phone numbers on call displays should not be assumed to be legitimate. When receiving a call from someone claiming to be a financial institution, fraud experts suggest telling the caller that you will call them back, before ending the call and calling the number on the back of the debit card in question. Fraud experts remind potential victims that credit bureaus will never call customers randomly unless it is a requested call back, and that financial institutions and law enforcement will never make threats over the phone. Multi-factor authentication codes should never be shared, especially in writing via text or email. Suspects are also known to often provide the first four-to-six digits of a debit or credit card to appear legitimate, but most financial institutions use the same four to six numbers for their debit and credit cards. Institutions will also never request for funds to be transferred to an external account for security reasons. Police and fraud experts also suggest never providing remote access to your computer and confirm that law enforcement will never go to a private residence to pick up a bank card. Anyone suspecting of fraud or cybercrime should report it to their local police and to the CAFC.
