A new study by Social Catfish shows Canadians lost $380 million to online scams last year.
The study finds this trend is a byproduct of COVID-19, technology and globalization as people do more online.
The most scammed province in Canada was Ontario with an average of $3,000 scammed per victim.
New Brunswick sits near the middle with an average of $2,100 lost per victim.
Nova Scotians are less likely to be scammed sitting in 11th spot, losing an average of $927.
In the last spot is Yukon with the average amount lost being $851 per person.
People in their 60s are the most likely to be scammed followed by people in their 40s.
The three most common scams are investment, romance, and extortion.
Most and Least Scammed Provinces and Territories (Based on the average loss per victim)
1) Ontario: $3,010
2) Alberta: $2,970
3) British Columbia: $2,916
4) Manitoba: $2,815
5) Northwest Territories: $2,521
6) Nunavut: $2,136
7) New Brunswick: $2,115
8) Saskatchewan: $1,940
9) Quebec: $1,757
10) Newfoundland and Labrador: $1,565
11) Nova Scotia: $927
12) Yukon: $851
13) Prince Edward Island: $554
For more information on the study, please click here.
