Brampton, ON — The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is warning Canadians about a sharp rise in sophisticated scams powered by artificial intelligence, with fraudsters using deepfakes, voice cloning and automated chatbots to deceive victims.
Officials say modern scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, as attackers can now mimic voices, create realistic videos and generate personalized messages tailored to individual victims.
Below are the four most common AI-driven frauds currently targeting Canadians, along with expert-backed advice on how to stay protected.
1. Deepfake Investment Scams
Investment fraud remains the most financially damaging scam in Canada, with losses exceeding $351 million in 2025, according to the CAFC.
Scammers are now using AI-generated deepfake videos featuring trusted public figures such as Mark Carney, Doug Ford, Ryan Reynolds, Wayne Gretzky and Elon Musk to promote fake crypto or investment platforms.
These ads often appear on social media and look highly convincing, luring victims into transferring money.
Protection Advice:
Canadians should verify any investment opportunity through official regulatory bodies such as provincial securities agencies. Avoid downloading unknown investment apps or sending money to platforms that cannot be independently verified.
2. AI-Generated Job Scams
Employment fraud has evolved into highly convincing operations using AI-generated job offers, contracts and even fake interviews.
Scammers impersonate recruiters, create cloned company websites and may ask victims to install “work apps” that contain malware or request deposits for equipment using fake cheques.
Protection Advice:
Always confirm job offers through official company websites and avoid unsolicited job offers via text or social media. Never download software or send money unless the employer is fully verified.
3. Voice-Cloned Emergency (Grandparent) Scams
One of the most emotionally manipulative scams involves AI voice cloning, where fraudsters mimic the voice of a loved one claiming to be in distress.
Victims may hear a familiar voice asking for urgent financial help, often followed by another person posing as a police officer or authority figure.
Protection Advice:
Experts recommend setting a family code word and verifying any emergency request by calling the person directly. Be cautious of calls with urgency, poor audio quality or limited conversation.
4. AI Chatbot Romance Scams
Romance scams have become more advanced with AI chatbots capable of maintaining realistic, emotionally engaging conversations 24/7.
Fraudsters build trust over weeks or months before requesting money, often combining romance with fake investment opportunities — a tactic known as “pig butchering.”
Protection Advice:
Be cautious of individuals who avoid video calls, move too quickly emotionally or request money early in the relationship. Never share personal or financial information with someone you haven’t met or verified.
Final Word
Authorities emphasize that while AI technology is advancing rapidly, the most effective defence remains awareness and verification.
The CAFC urges Canadians to remain skeptical of unsolicited messages, verify identities and report suspicious activity to help combat the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud.
As these scams become more realistic, staying informed is the first and strongest line of defence.