Police and fraud-prevention advocates warn Canadians that AI-powered fraud is getting more convincing—and more personal

Thunder Bay — Technology — Fraudsters across Canada are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make scams look legitimate, sound familiar, and arrive at the worst possible moment—often with messages that feel urgent, emotional, or “too real” to ignore.

As part of Fraud Prevention Month, policing and community crime-prevention groups are urging Canadians to sharpen their scam-spotting skills, warning that AI tools now allow criminals to scale up deception quickly—whether through cloned voices, deepfake videos, or hyper-polished phishing emails.

“AI-generated content can look flawless, feel personal, and reach anyone. That is why staying alert is crucial. The more we learn to spot the subtle warning signs, the harder it becomes for scammers to turn powerful tools into targeted traps,” said Cpl. Sean Milne of the RCMP’s Provincial Financial Crime Team (Federal Policing, Northwest Region).

What AI scams can look like in 2026

AI-enabled fraud can take many forms, and police say Canadians should be especially cautious if a message pressures them to act quickly, pay immediately, or keep a conversation secret. Common AI scam types include:

• Voice cloning scams (a caller sounds like a family member or friend)

• AI-generated kidnapping/extortion calls

• Deepfake video impersonation of leaders, executives, or public figures

• Romance scams powered by AI chatbots that “always know what to say”

• Fake customer support agents on phone, email, or social platforms

• AI-generated investment advisors pitching “guaranteed” returns

• Phishing emails and texts written by AI to sound polished and credible

• AI-assisted job interview scams and fake recruiting processes

• Synthetic identity fraud using mixed real/fake personal data

• AI-generated rental or marketplace listings with convincing photos and details

Red flags Canadians should watch for

AI doesn’t just make scams more believable—it makes them faster and more targeted. Watch for:

• Urgency and pressure: “Act now,” “don’t tell anyone,” “limited time,” “final notice.”

• Unusual payment requests: gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or e-transfers to unknown recipients.

• Identity “proof” that feels off: slightly unnatural speech cadence, oddly perfect grammar, or video that doesn’t match audio.

• Requests to move platforms: “Let’s switch to WhatsApp/Telegram” or “email me privately.”

• Too-good-to-be-true offers: high returns, cheap rentals, instant job offers without standard checks.

How to protect yourself right now

• Pause before you pay or share. Scammers rely on speed and emotion.

• Verify through a second channel. If a loved one calls in distress, hang up and call them back using a known number—or contact another family member.

• Don’t trust caller ID. Numbers can be spoofed.

• Use strong account security. Turn on multi-factor authentication where possible.

• Be cautious with what you post publicly. Audio/video clips and personal details can be used to train impersonations.

Where to report scams in Canada

If you suspect fraud—or have been victimized—police recommend reporting it promptly:

• Contact your local police service

• Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501

• If financial details may be compromised, contact your bank and credit card issuer immediately

For Canadians unsure whether something is a scam, the Government of Canada also provides guidance on common fraud types and prevention steps.