Anti-Fraud & Financial Abuse Resources

If you or someone you know is being abused or is a victim of a fraud or a scam, there are resources that can help.

24/7 Resources

Police

If you feel that you have been a victim, or someone you know may be a victim, you may call and report the incident to your local Police Station. In Toronto, call the Police at: 416-808-2222. If you are outside Toronto, call your local Police Department.

211

211 is a FREE & confidential resource to get information on Government numbers, Community Services (such as help with groceries, or community centres that offer social and recreational programs that can relieve isolation). Simply dial 2-1-1 from your phone. 211 is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You can visit them online at: www.211toronto.ca.

Seniors Safety Line

You can also call the Seniors Safety Line for support and information on resources at: 1-866-299-1011. This number is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reporting Abuse in Retirement Homes

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority: 1-855-275-7472

Reporting Abuse in Long Term Care Homes

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care ACTION Line: 1-866-434-0144 TTY: 1-800-387-5559

You can also call the ACTION Line with any problems, concerns, or complaints about home care services, long‑term care homes, or a LHIN.

Legal Help

There are FREE services that can offer Legal Help if you think you are a victim of financial abuse or fraud. You can also call 211 to get more information on other community legal services which may be available to you.

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE): 1-855-598-2656

ARCH Disability Law Centre: 1-866-482-2724

National Canadian Lawyer Initiative: A new initiative launched by lawyers in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, providing 5 free hours of legal advice to anyone, regardless of income.

Power of Attorney

CLEO has created an online, clear language toolkit for CREATING or CANCELLING a Power of Attorney, HERE.

Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee: 416-314-2800 or 1-800-366-0335

If anyone believes that a senior’s money or property is at serious risk, that person may report this to the Office of Public Guardian and Trustee. The Public Guardian and Trustee is required to investigate all reports, and in serious cases, to become the senior’s guardian to help or protect them.

Information on Fraud and Scams

These organizations have regularly updated information on types of scams and fraud. You can call them or check their websites for more information.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501, Online Fraud Reporting System, HERE

Better Business Bureau: 519-579-3080

Elder Abuse Ontario: 1-866-299-1011

Government of Canada: Because of the frequency of scams from people claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Government of Canada has created an online guide to prevent being a victim of these types of scams, HERE.

70+ Common Online Scams used by Cyber Criminals & Fraudsters via comparitech

The Canadian Competition Bureau has information on Scams available in multiple languages, HERE.

Do Not Call List

To reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive, you can register for the National Do Not Call List. This is a free service and your phone number will stay on it indefinitely.

There are many ways you can register: