A recent online poll conducted by Leger has uncovered a startling statistic: one-quarter of Canadians report having been victims of fraud or extortion. The survey, which involved 1,536 participants from February 6 to February 9, 2026, found that 25% of respondents have experienced these scams, while 71% said they have not, with 4% unsure or refusing to answer.
Most Common Types of Fraud Reported
According to the findings, credit card and bank scams are the most prevalent, with over half (52%) of those affected citing financial channels as the primary method of fraud. Other significant scams include online phishing or fake websites, reported by 36% of victims, and phone or text scams, mentioned by 31%.
Additional fraud types identified in the poll encompass identity theft, fake job offers, extortion or blackmail, investment or cryptocurrency scams, ransomware or computer hacking, and online dating fraud. Jennifer McLeod Macey, Leger's senior vice-president of public affairs, emphasized that this issue is not limited to specific demographics, stating, "This isn't a niche problem ... it's hitting Canadians across age groups, across regions."
Age-Based Trends in Fraud Vulnerability
The poll revealed distinct patterns based on age. Older Canadians, particularly those over 55, were most likely to report credit card or bank fraud, with 62% of this group affected. In contrast, younger individuals aged 18 to 34 were more prone to fake job offers, with 23% reporting such incidents.
Emotional Impact and Future Concerns
Victims of fraud reported significant emotional distress, with 60% feeling anger or frustration, 14% experiencing fear and anxiety, and 7% dealing with shame or embarrassment. Moreover, nearly three-quarters of all respondents expressed concern about becoming victims in the future, a sentiment more common among women and those over 55.
Despite these worries, 89% of participants claimed confidence in their ability to recognize potential scams. McLeod Macey cautioned against overconfidence, noting, "The confidence there doesn't clearly equal immunity. And that gap between confidence and reality is where fraudsters are going to thrive."
Methodological Notes and Broader Context
As an online survey, this poll cannot be assigned a margin of error, but it underscores the pervasive nature of fraud in Canada. The results align with growing public awareness of cybersecurity threats and consumer protection issues, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and education to combat these scams effectively.
