Félix Séguin and a team of Québec investigative journalists have released a new guide aimed at helping Canadians recognize fraud before they lose money.
Se protéger des fraudes was published this week by Les Éditions du Journal.
The 216-page French-language book examines common scams, the emotional tactics behind them and the steps victims should take after an incident.
The guide lists Félix Séguin among its contributors alongside journalists from the Bureau d’enquête, Le Journal de Montréal, Le Journal de Québec and the television program J.E.
The publisher lists the print edition at $29.95.
Table of Contents
Félix Séguin’s warning about urgency
Félix Séguin has described fraud as a psychological operation in which criminals create fear, excitement or urgency to prevent people from slowing down and checking the facts.
That message is reflected in the book’s examples, which include fake bank representatives, cryptocurrency investment schemes, romance scams, grandparent scams and promises of unusually high returns.
In a recent interview about the guide, Séguin also recounted nearly being drawn into a bank impersonation scam.
A caller claimed that his card had been compromised, confirmed personal details and said someone would collect the card and replace it.
The attempted fraud became apparent when the caller referred to a debit card that Séguin did not have with that financial institution.
The caller ended the conversation after the inconsistency was identified.
The episode illustrates one of the guide’s central points: even people who regularly report on scams can be placed under pressure when a fraudster presents a believable story and demands an immediate response.
Fraud losses remain heavily underreported
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than 112,000 fraud reports involving over $704 million in reported losses during 2025.
The centre has warned that reported figures represent only part of the actual impact because many victims do not report what happened.
Investment fraud accounted for the largest reported dollar loss among the centre’s leading fraud categories in 2025, at about $351 million.
Other frequently reported schemes included identity fraud, service scams, phishing and the theft of personal information.
The publisher’s description of Se protéger des fraudes says the book is built around real cases, followed by explanations of how the schemes worked and practical advice for avoiding similar losses.
The authors also emphasize that fraud is not limited to one age group or level of financial knowledge.
A convincing impersonation, fake investment platform or emotionally charged message can target almost anyone.
What Canadians should do after a suspected scam
Government guidance from the Competition Bureau says people who suspect fraud should preserve messages, phone numbers, receipts, account details and other evidence instead of deleting it.
Anyone who has lost money should contact their local police service and the financial institution involved.
The incident should also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, even if the amount lost appears small.
Victims should use an official phone number from a bank card, account statement or verified banking website rather than replying to the suspected fraudster or using contact information supplied during the call.
People who believe their personal information has been compromised can ask Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada about a fraud alert and obtain copies of their credit reports.
Government agencies also advise Canadians not to send money or provide passwords, banking credentials, credit card details or government identification numbers in response to an unsolicited message.
Why bank impersonation scams are difficult to spot
Bank impersonation schemes often begin with a claim that an account, card or recent transaction requires immediate attention.
Fraudsters may use caller-ID spoofing, personal information obtained from data breaches or details gathered from social media to make the conversation sound authentic.
The caller may then ask the target to disclose a verification code, move funds to a supposed safe account or hand over a card to a courier.
A legitimate bank will not require customers to surrender control of their accounts in that way.
The safest response is to end the call and independently contact the institution through its official website, mobile application or the number printed on a bank card.
A guide designed for prevention and recovery
The new book is intended to go beyond a list of scam warnings.
Its sections explain the warning signs associated with different frauds, the emotional techniques used by criminals and the actions that can limit damage after a person has been deceived.
That recovery advice is important because victims may hesitate to seek help out of embarrassment or fear that they will be blamed.
Delays can give fraudsters more time to move money, misuse personal information or target the victim again.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has repeatedly encouraged victims to report incidents quickly.
Early reporting can help investigators identify linked cases and may improve the chances of stopping transfers or recovering funds in some circumstances.
For Séguin and his colleagues, the book represents an extension of their investigative work into a format intended for everyday use.
Its central lesson is straightforward: pause, verify the request independently and report suspicious activity before the fraud escalates.
Where the book is available
Se protéger des fraudes is being released in French through Les Éditions du Journal in print and digital formats.
The publisher lists the print edition’s release date as October 14, 2026.
The guide is aimed at readers who want to understand common fraud patterns, but its practical advice may also be useful for families helping older relatives, new internet users or anyone who has recently received a suspicious call or investment offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who contributed to Félix Séguin’s new fraud guide?
Félix Séguin contributed alongside journalists from Québecor’s Bureau d’enquête, Le Journal de Montréal, Le Journal de Québec and J.E.
What is Se protéger des fraudes about?
The 216-page guide explains common scams, the emotional tactics fraudsters use, warning signs and practical steps for prevention and recovery.
What should I do if I think I have been defrauded?
Contact your financial institution and local police, preserve evidence and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
How can I avoid a fake bank representative?
End unsolicited calls, do not share passwords or verification codes and contact your bank independently using an official number or app.
How much fraud was reported in Canada in 2025?
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received more than 112,000 reports involving over $704 million in reported losses, though the actual total is believed to be higher because many incidents go unreported.
Fact-Checked: Key publication details, fraud statistics and reporting guidance were checked against the publisher and official Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Competition Bureau information.
Disclaimer: This article provides general fraud-prevention information and is not a substitute for advice from your financial institution, police service or a qualified professional.