5. Try to get your money back

It's usually hard to get your money back after being scammed, as scammers often hide their identities. Many of them are based outside Canada, which makes it difficult for the police to find or arrest them.

If you sent money by e-transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, you're unlikely to get your money back.

If your or debit card is used to pay for something or to withdraw money from your bank account, you might get some money back. But banks and credit card companies first check to see if you kept your information safe before deciding to return any money to you.

Getting your money back usually depends on if the transaction was:

authorized, or
unauthorized.

Authorized

An authorized transaction is when you give the scammers your , even if you were tricked.

It's usually hard to get your money back in this situation, even if you only shared your information because you got scammed. Speak to a lawyer about your options.

Unauthorized

An unauthorized transaction is when the scammer gets your personal information by stealing it. For example, if your wallet is stolen with your debit card inside. Or if scammers get your credit card information by hacking into the database of a store where you bought something with your card.

If scammers make unauthorized transactions using your credit card, the law says that you're only responsible for up to $50. But some credit card companies do not ask you to pay this amount. Ask your credit card company about the rules for your card.

If the scammer makes unauthorized transactions using your debit card, the law says your bank or credit union must give you back the amount that was stolen.

Complain to the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investment

If your bank, credit union, or credit card company does not give you your money back, you might be able to complain to the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investment (OBSI).

OBSI resolves issues between financial companies and their customers when they cannot solve them on their own. OBSI only helps if the company takes part in their service.

OBSI is neutral, which means they do not work for banks, credit unions, or credit card companies. And they help you for free.

Visit: obsi.ca/en/ or call 1-888 451-4519 for more information.

Door-to-door sales

If you were scammed by a door-to-door salesperson, you should be able to cancel the contract you signed. Read more in: I felt pressured by a door-to-door salesperson. What can I do?