Scammers Exploit Bread Price-Fixing Settlement in Phishing Text Scam
Scammers are actively sending phishing text messages that attempt to leverage the $500 million bread price-fixing settlement, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. These fraudulent texts are designed to steal personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and credit or debit card information from unsuspecting victims.
Police and Authorities Issue Warnings
Toronto police have also issued warnings, advising the public to delete any unsolicited texts related to the settlement. The messages typically try to lure people to fake settlement claim websites by pretending to offer information about the payout. This deceptive tactic aims to harvest sensitive data for identity theft or financial fraud.
Background on the Bread Price-Fixing Settlement
The price-fixing settlement dates back to 2024 when Loblaws settled a class-action lawsuit concerning packaged bread purchased for personal use between 2001 and 2021. Eligible Canadian residents could claim compensation from the settlement reached with Loblaw Companies Ltd. and its parent company, George Weston Ltd. However, the official claims process closed on December 12, 2025, meaning no new claims can be submitted, as stated on the Canadian Packaged Bread Class Actions Settlement website.
Official Communications and Scam Alerts
The settlement website cautions the public against phishing scams connected to the settlement, emphasizing: “Please be aware that we DO NOT send text messages requesting personal information or payment information. If you receive any such message claiming to be from Verita, do not respond or click on any links. Instead, please contact us directly through our official channels.”
Official communications from Verita, the company handling disbursement of the settlement funds, are sent only to claimants’ email addresses as originally registered on one of the two official sites: CanadianBreadSettlement.ca for non-Quebec residents or QuebecBreadSettlement.ca for Quebec residents.
Compensation Details and Payment Timeline
Verita will distribute compensation for approved claims once processing is complete, with claimants potentially receiving between $50 to $100. The settlement site notes: “We expect payments to begin being sent in April 2026. Your patience is appreciated.” Payments will be made via e-transfer or cheque, if requested during the initial claim filing.
How to Report Phishing Scams
To report bread settlement phishing scams, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommends that recipients forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to alert telecom providers and help block them nationwide. A full report should then be submitted to the CAFC, with tips available on their website. Providing details such as the message text, sender number, and any linked sites is encouraged, and anonymous reports are also welcome.
For more information about the bread price-fixing claims process, the public can call the toll-free number 1-833-419-4821, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm EST.
