A recent study conducted by Preszler Law has uncovered a startling reality for Canadians: on average, individuals receive approximately five spam or scam calls or texts every single day. This translates to a staggering 1,800 unwanted communications annually, highlighting a pervasive issue in digital communication.
Daily Breakdown and Regional Insights
The survey provides a detailed breakdown, indicating that the average person endures 2.8 spam texts and 2.2 spam calls daily. As a result, an overwhelming 9 out of 10 Canadians now routinely ignore unknown calls, assuming they are spam. This behavior reflects a growing distrust in unsolicited contacts.
Provincial and City-Level Data
Ontario leads the nation with the highest daily spam contact rate at 6.4, followed closely by Alberta at 5.8 and British Columbia at 5.7. In contrast, Quebec residents experience the lowest rate, averaging "only" 3.2 unwanted communications per day.
At the city level, Windsor, Ontario, is the most affected, with residents receiving 6.8 spam contacts daily. Edmonton follows with 6.5, and Toronto with 6.3. Ontario dominates the top ten list, featuring four cities: Windsor, Toronto, Mississauga at 6.2, and Brampton at 5.4.
Western Canada shows a consistent pattern, with Edmonton at 6.5, Vancouver at 5.9, Surrey at 5.7, and Calgary at 5.5, all reporting above-average spam levels. Halifax's presence in the top ten at 5.6 stands out as the only Atlantic Canadian city on the list.
Impact and Common Scam Tactics
The poll also reveals that 31% of Canadians know someone who has lost money to scammers, with average losses amounting to $2,958. Tax-related scams are the most prevalent in Canada, affecting 83% of respondents, followed by fake unclaimed government benefit schemes at 68%.
Other common scam tactics include threats of unpaid fines and tolls, texts from long-lost friends claiming hardship, and notifications about undelivered packages that were never ordered. These methods exploit trust and urgency to deceive victims.
Study Methodology and Broader Context
In January 2026, Preszler Law surveyed 1,033 adults aged 18 and older across Canada. The study aimed to assess experiences with spam calls and texts, identify common scam types, and evaluate the impact of unwanted communications on daily life. This research underscores the need for increased awareness and protective measures against digital fraud.
The findings align with broader concerns about digital privacy and security, as Canadians navigate an increasingly connected world. With spam and scam attempts on the rise, individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
