The Decibel If you fall for a scam, who should pick up the bill?
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Jul 30, 2025 Alexandra Posadzki, a financial and cybercrime reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the alarming rise of scams and their evolving tactics. She discusses a harrowing case of a woman duped by a fake publishing service and highlights the growing sophistication of fraud. The conversation shifts to the complex legal landscape in Canada regarding who bears the financial burden when scams occur. Posadzki also compares international responses to fraud liability, advocating for better consumer protections and the urgent need for regulatory reforms.
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Crystal's Amazon Publishing Scam
- Crystal Quast was scammed by an imposter pretending to be Amazon Publishing, resulting in poor editing services and embarrassment.
- She later confirmed the scam after consulting an Amazon employee friend.
Shift from Unauthorized to Authorized Fraud
- Fraud is shifting from unauthorized access to authorized fraud, where victims authorize transactions themselves after being scammed.
- This new trend challenges traditional fraud detection methods that focus on unauthorized account breaches.
Fraud Reporting is Greatly Underestimated
- Reported fraud losses in Canada reached $647 million last year but represent just 5-10% of actual cases.
- Many victims feel embarrassed and avoid reporting, masking the true scale of fraud.