Finding out that a senior has sent money to a scammer can be frightening and emotional. The most important thing is to act quickly, stay calm, and avoid blame. Fraudsters are skilled at pressure, manipulation, and deception. Many intelligent and careful people are victimized every year.
If a senior has already sent money to a scammer, these steps can help reduce further harm.
Stop all contact with the scammer
The first step is to stop communication. Do not answer more calls, texts, emails, or social media messages from the person. Scammers often return with more stories. They may claim a payment failed, a fee is still owing, or the victim can recover the money by paying another amount.
Recovery scams are common. If someone says they can get the money back for a fee, treat that as another warning sign.
Contact the bank immediately
Call the bank, credit union, credit card company, or payment provider right away. Explain what happened. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped, reversed, disputed, or traced.
This is urgent if the senior sent an e-transfer, wire transfer, credit card payment, cryptocurrency, cheque, bank draft, or gift card number. If cards, passwords, PINs, or online banking details were shared, ask the bank to secure the accounts.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises victims to report fraud and cybercrime, even if they are unsure whether a crime occurred.
Preserve the evidence
Do not delete messages. Save everything, including:
- Phone numbers
- Emails and texts
- Social media profiles
- Receipts
- Bank records
- Gift card photos
- Cryptocurrency wallet addresses
- Screenshots
- Delivery details
- Names used by the scammer
This information may help the bank, police, or fraud investigators understand what happened.
Report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report the incident to local police and ask for a file number. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also recommends reporting fraud online or by phone. Its fraud reporting number is 1-888-495-8501.
The report may not always result in immediate recovery, but it creates a record. It can also help identify larger fraud patterns.
Protect personal information
If the senior shared a Social Insurance Number, driver’s licence, passport details, banking information, or passwords, take additional steps. Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor accounts.
If identity theft is possible, consider contacting Canada’s credit bureaus and asking about fraud alerts or credit monitoring.
Support the senior emotionally
Shame helps scammers. A senior who feels embarrassed may hide future contact or avoid asking for help. Families should focus on safety, not blame.
A helpful response is: “I’m glad you told me. Let’s deal with this together.”
Fraud response is about containment. Act quickly, document clearly, report properly, and help the senior feel safe enough to speak up again.
Need a practical fraud prevention talk for your seniors’ residence, community group, or family?
FraudReady Canada provides clear, respectful, and practical presentations on common scams targeting seniors in Canada. Topics include phone scams, CRA scams, grandparent scams, romance scams, fake bank calls, phishing emails, and what families can do if a senior has already sent money.
Book a practical fraud prevention talk for your group today.