4 scams targeting Ontario residents in July 2026

Scammers continue to target Ontario residents using a variety of schemes designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Here are four scams making the rounds in Ontario in July:

Rental scam

Fraudsters advertise fake rental properties on social media and other online platforms, encouraging prospective tenants to sign lease agreements and send deposits before verifying the listing.

Victims often believe they have secured a rental, only to discover the property is unavailable or was never for rent when they arrive to move in.

In a recent Peel Regional Police investigation, at least 17 victims lost more than $60,000 after responding to fraudulent rental advertisements.

Police advise renters to view properties in person whenever possible, independently verify landlords and avoid sending money before confirming a listing is legitimate. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also recommends being cautious of listings that appear significantly below market value or create pressure to make immediate payments.

Fake concert ticket scam

Scammers advertise tickets to sold-out concerts, sporting events and other high-demand shows through social media, online marketplaces and third-party sellers.

Victims are instructed to send payment, often by e-transfer, with the promise that tickets will be delivered closer to the event. Instead, the tickets never arrive.

A recent Halton Regional Police investigation into a fake Taylor Swift ticket scheme involved more than $260,000 in reported losses.

Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommend purchasing tickets only through authorized sellers or reputable resale platforms and being cautious of sellers requesting irreversible forms of payment.

Identity fraud

Identity fraud occurs when criminals use stolen personal information to apply for financial products, open accounts or obtain credit in another person’s name.

The stolen information may be used to fraudulently order credit cards, make purchases or accumulate debt before the victim becomes aware of the activity.

A recent Ontario Provincial Police investigation resulted in charges after an individual allegedly attempted to collect a fraudulently obtained credit card.

Residents are urged to protect personal information, regularly review financial statements and monitor their credit reports for unauthorized activity. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also recommends reporting suspicious transactions immediately to financial institutions.

Counterfeit cash Marketplace scam

Scammers contact private sellers through online marketplaces to purchase expensive items before paying with counterfeit cash during in-person meetings.

The fake bills often appear legitimate, allowing the suspect to leave with the merchandise before the seller realizes the money is worthless.

A recent Peel Regional Police investigation involved counterfeit cash allegedly used to purchase gold and silver bars through Facebook Marketplace.

Police advise completing transactions at designated Safe Exchange Zones whenever possible, carefully checking cash before handing over merchandise and considering secure electronic payment methods for high-value sales.

Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud is encouraged to contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its online reporting system.

—With files from Ryan Rumbolt, Declan Finucane and Steve Pecar.