Police warn of increasing financial and emotional toll from advanced fraud

The Saint John Police is urging you to be extra vigilant as sophisticated scams continue to target residents, causing significant financial and emotional distress. In a recent Fraud Prevention Alert, the force highlighted the growing threat posed by criminals using advanced technology to deceive people in our community.

The scale of the problem is staggering. Citing the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, the alert notes that Canadians reported over 112,000 fraud incidents in 2025, with losses topping $704 million. Scammers are now using fake websites, deepfakes, and stolen identities to create fraudulent messages that appear incredibly real. They often use cryptocurrencies and other instant payment methods, making it nearly impossible to recover money once it has been sent.

How to Protect Yourself From Scams

Fraudsters are skilled at creating a sense of urgency or trust. Here are some key reminders to help you and your family stay safe:

• Verify Unexpected Contact: Be cautious of any unexpected calls, texts, or emails, even if they claim to be from a trusted organization like your bank or a government agency.
• Watch for Impersonation: Scammers frequently pretend to be from well-known businesses, government bodies, or even potential romantic partners to gain your trust.
• Never Send Money or Information: Do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal details to anyone you have not personally verified through a trusted, independent channel.
• Recognize Red Flags: Treat any request for secrecy or intense pressure to act immediately as a major warning sign.
• Trust Your Gut: If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

A Message from the Chief

“While certain segments of our population are more vulnerable to fraud, no one is exempt from becoming a victim of these greedy, heartless criminal predators,” said Chief R. M. Bruce. “Protect yourself, your family, and your hard-earned assets. Never be afraid to say I will have to look into this and follow-up with trusted family and friends, trusted institutions, or the police.”

What to Do If You’re a Target

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, reporting it is crucial. You should contact the Saint John Police at 506-648-3333. It is also important to file a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, even if you did not lose any money. You can reach them toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 or file a report online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common signs of a scam?

Common signs include unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for payment via unusual methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations.

Who should I contact if I’ve been scammed in Saint John?

You should immediately report the incident to the Saint John Police at 506-648-3333. You should also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help them track and combat fraud nationally.

What if I was targeted but didn’t lose any money?

You should still report the attempt to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. This information is valuable as it helps authorities identify emerging scam trends and warn others before they become victims.

Why are scammers so hard to catch?

Modern fraudsters use technology to hide their identities and locations. They also use fast, often untraceable, payment methods like cryptocurrency, which makes recovering funds extremely difficult once they are sent.