Scams and Fraud

The Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section investigates frauds and trends that can be linked, tracked and documented, such as:

Counterfeit (currency and other documents)
Credit and debit card
Cheque
Social assistance
Computer
Identity theft
Corporate

Our Fraud investigators not only look into specific cases, but they also give crime prevention education, training and community and corporate outreach.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

If you haven't lost any money, you do not need to report this to the police. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has much information on its website about common scams, how to report and what to do.

Credit card fraud

If you have fraudulent charges on your credit card, your credit card company or bank. They have processes in place to reverse the transaction on your account.

When to file a police report

If you have lost money due to a fraudulent agreement or transaction in Ottawa, please file a police report.

More information:

Canada Revenue Agency

Counterfeit currency

Since December 2024, the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit has received multiple reports of counterfeit currency. These bills are often used without retailers noticing, only to be identified as counterfeit later.

Ways to tell if your currency is counterfeit

Check serial numbers when accepting cash. Each bill should have a unique serial number.
Check the window on the bill for tiny numbers matching the denomination.
Verify that the portrait in the window matches the main portrait.
Use a small, bright light to see tiny numbers in the maple leaf window.
Ensure the image in the window changes colour.
Feel the raised ink on the main portrait by running your finger over it.
Observe the bill to see if it is identified as “prop money” or “for film use only,” often times, this can be seen in the fine print.