Guelph: Investment Fraud Alert After $351 Million Reported Lost

Guelph police published an investment fraud alert on Nov. 9, 2026, warning readers to watch for fake trading platforms, pressure to invest and requests to transfer cryptocurrency. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre said Canadians reported $351 million in investment fraud losses in 2025.

According to the centre, more than $1.6 billion in investment fraud losses has been reported to it since 2021. Cryptocurrency-related investment fraud makes up most of those losses, the centre said.

The centre said fraudsters promote investment opportunities through social media, online advertisements, fake trading platforms and personal relationships. It encouraged people to talk with friends, family and colleagues about investments and their experiences.

Warning signs

The alert urges caution around offers that promise guaranteed or risk-free returns, arrive unsolicited or pressure someone to invest immediately. Other warning signs include:

• Someone building a personal relationship before introducing an investment.
• Requests to buy cryptocurrency or send funds to an unfamiliar digital wallet.
• A platform showing large profits but blocking withdrawals.
• Demands for extra fees, taxes or deposits before funds can be accessed.
• Someone posing as a financial adviser, celebrity or another trusted figure.

Protect yourself and report fraud

The centre advises checking whether an investment provider is registered at aretheyregistered.ca, researching the people and platform involved, and speaking with a trusted financial professional. It also advises against giving remote access to a device or sending cryptocurrency to a wallet controlled by someone you do not know or trust.

Anyone affected by investment fraud should report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, including when an attempt did not result in a loss. Reports can be made online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.