January marks Crime Stoppers Month, a time to highlight the vital role Crime Stoppers programs play in helping law enforcement prevent and solve crime across Canada. Crime Stoppers’ ongoing national slogan, “Say It Here,” underscores the importance of providing anonymous tip information that can assist police in identifying perpetrators of crime.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is joining partners across the country to emphasize how crucial tip reporting is in the fight against fraud. Fraud networks are often sophisticated and far-reaching. While some operate internationally, many criminal groups have strong ties within Canada, recruiting local facilitators and using Canadian infrastructure such as phone numbers, bank accounts, and addresses to carry out their schemes.

The Importance of Whistleblowing

Anonymous tips play an essential role in fraud prevention and enforcement. They help police and the CAFC to:

• Identify local enablers and facilitators connected to larger fraud networks
• Trace financial movement, including money mule activity and cryptocurrency pathways
• Identify criminal infrastructure such as fraudulent phone numbers, emails, domains, and social media ads
• Connect cases that might otherwise appear unrelated
• Build stronger investigative files and prepare enforcement action
• Take disruption measures to interrupt fraud operations operating in Canada

Where and How to Report Fraud

Crime Stoppers – Anonymous Information Sharing

Crime Stoppers programs across Canada allow individuals to report tip information completely anonymously through their online portals, phone lines, or P3 Tips app. Their ongoing national slogan and logo, “Say It Here,” reinforce that Crime Stoppers is a trusted place to

provide information safely and without being identified.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) – Reporting Fraud Incidents Victims and witnesses of fraud should also report directly to the CAFC through:

• https://tinyurl.com/4rdb56am
• Toll free: 1-888-495-8501

Fraud is not a victimless crime. It funds organized criminal groups, targets vulnerable individuals, damages businesses, and results in billions of dollars in losses each year. But fraud can be stopped when Canadians report suspicious activity, share information, and speak up.

The UCDA is proud to continue its partnership with the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, an association of 37 local Crime Stoppers programs across the province of Ontario. Our relationship has led to meaningful engagement in Hamilton, Peel and North Bay and, we expect, more communities to follow.

The UCDA works with Crime Stoppers to spread the message ‘if you see it, report it’ via Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tipster program.

The UCDA particularly supports the fight against auto theft and fraud, offering rewards up to $300, for tips that directly lead to the successful recovery of vehicles stolen from dealerships in Ontario.

Famously, Crime Stoppers provides a venue for concerned citizens to anonymously provide information to law enforcement agencies through Crime Stoppers’ 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) line or through a web-based application:

https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/tip-submission-check

Each local board relies on sponsorship, donations and fundraising to garner the funds to pay rewards and operate their programs.

Crime Stoppers are continuously looking for both financial support and volunteers eager to make a difference in their communities.

These partnerships allow us to contribute to the important work being done toward safety in our communities.