Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) worked with a Canadian financial institution to help recover approximately $3.5 million CAD linked to a sophisticated payment redirection fraud targeting a Quebec business.
In April 2026, fraudsters targeted a business involved in a high-value commercial transaction. The fraud involved a form of spear phishing where criminals impersonated legitimate contacts and manipulated email communications to provide fraudulent payment instructions.
Believing the instructions were legitimate, the victim authorized two wire transfers. The fraud was identified shortly afterward when financial institutions detected concerns with the beneficiary account information.
The incident was quickly reported to the CAFC, which allowed the centre, financial institutions and investigative partners to coordinate response efforts quickly, resulting in the recovery of approximately $3.5 million CAD to date. Recovery and investigative efforts remain ongoing.
Payment redirection frauds commonly target small and medium enterprises. Recent reporting suggests that businesses in the construction and contracting industry, and real estate sector are common targets. Fraudsters may impersonate suppliers, contractors, financial institutions or legal representatives to redirect payments or change banking information.
Full news release: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and partners assist in $3.5M recovery linked to sophisticated payment redirection fraud. Please be aware and stay informed with all new on line fraud scams through the CAFC.
Emergency Preparedness – Ontario Corps Volunteer Opportunity
Since early 2025, the volunteering opportunity for registration has been open, for those who qualify. Some of us have already registered. The skills and certifications required and taught are invaluable in local emergencies.
The Ontario Corps is a provincial volunteer and professional response initiative designed to mobilize resources and skilled personnel to support communities during emergencies and natural disasters, such as floods, wildfires, and severe ice storms.
Key Details & Capabilities
- Mission: The program unites non-governmental partners, private businesses (such as The Home Depot Canada), and volunteers to supplement local emergency response efforts on the ground.
- Deployment: Network assets can be mobilized rapidly—typically within 24 to 72 hours—to deploy critical equipment like flood barriers, drones, and water pumps.
- Headquarters: The province is constructing a new state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters located in Etobicoke to act as a 24/7 centralized command centre.
Volunteer Information
- Eligibility: Any Ontario resident can join. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16-17 year old require parental or guardian consent).
- Responsibilities: Volunteers are contacted when needed based on their availability and skills to help with tasks like clearing debris, stocking supplies, performing wellness checks, and distributing food.
- How to Join: Registration is strictly voluntary and managed through the Ontario Corps Volunteer Portal, where authorized partners can access profiles to match local community needs with volunteer expertise.
To explore the program or sign up to assist during future crises, visit the Ontario.ca Ontario Corps overview page.
Blackburn Reported Crime:
26 April to 26 May 2026, include the following (from https://data.ottawapolice.ca/pages/maps):
- 3 Break, Enter & Theft
- 1 Theft Over $5000
- 1 Theft Under $5000
- 4 Mischief Under $5000
- 4 Asssults
- 1 Threats
Should any residents have possibly related information on any of these reports, please call the Ottawa Police.
