CALGARY — Investment and cryptocurrency fraud is the riskiest type of scam being reported in Canada, according to a new report from the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB’s 2025 Canadian Scam Tracker Risk Report ranks investment and cryptocurrency fraud first among scams reported by Canadians, followed by home improvement scams and employment scams.
Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB Serving Alberta and East Kootenay, said investment and cryptocurrency schemes are costing Canadians millions of dollars each year.
“We know that Canadians are losing millions of dollars to investment/cryptocurrency fraud on an annual basis,” O’Sullivan-Andersen said.
The BBB is urging people to be particularly cautious about investment opportunities promising large profits over short periods of time.
“If you encounter an investment offer that promises huge returns in short order, be very skeptical,” O’Sullivan-Andersen said. “Do careful research before you ever invest.”
Home improvement scams ranked second on the organization’s list of riskiest scams reported in Canada during 2025, while employment scams ranked third.
O’Sullivan-Andersen said fraud has become increasingly common, making awareness of current scams an important tool for consumers.
“Scams can happen to anyone,” she said. “The best way to prevent being scammed is to learn more about them so you won’t fall victim.”
The annual Scam Tracker Risk Report examines reports from consumers to assess the fraud landscape in Canada and identify scams posing the greatest risk.
The complete 2025 Canadian Scam Tracker Risk Report is available through the Better Business Bureau.
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