Cybercrime has grown to rival the world's third-largest economy, and while artificial intelligence and emerging technologies accelerate its expansion, victim blaming remains a critical yet underestimated factor sustaining this growth. In Canada, the stigma attached to being a cybercrime victim discourages reporting, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
The Scale of Cybercrime in Canada
Every day, Canadians face phishing, identity theft, online extortion, and other digital frauds. Many victims choose silence over reporting due to fear of being blamed. This silence compounds personal harm and enables cybercrime to thrive in the shadows. According to the Angus Reid Institute, over 80% of Canadians have been targeted by an online scam in the past two years. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reports that Canadians lost more than $544 million to online fraud by September of last year alone, yet authorities estimate that only 5 to 10% of victims ever report the crime.
Why Victim Blaming Persists
Cybercrime triggers a unique form of blame. Unlike physical crimes, there is often no visible damage or clear external cause. Victims replay their decisions, questioning their judgment and assuming responsibility for deception that was deliberately engineered. Public narratives reinforce this dynamic by portraying victims as careless, distracted, or uninformed. Even victims internalize the idea that they should have known better. However, this framing no longer reflects how cybercrime operates. Cybercriminals now use generative AI to craft phishing messages and deepfakes that mimic trusted contacts with striking accuracy. These relationship-based social engineering tactics exploit professional networks, email patterns, and online behavior to erode trust.
The Impact of Underreporting
When victims remain silent, the consequences extend beyond the individual. Law enforcement lacks accurate intelligence, support services cannot reach those in need, policymakers underestimate the problem's scope, and cybercriminals continue to thrive on a system where blame suppresses reporting. The CAFC reports that relationship scams alone cost Canadians over $63 million in 2025, while impersonation and grandparent scams have drained life savings.
Government Measures and the Need for Cultural Shift
In February, the Government of Canada announced new measures to combat extortion and financial crime, including expanding financial intelligence resources, strengthening partnerships with banks and law enforcement, and establishing a new federal Financial Crimes Agency. These steps aim to improve detection, support investigations, and better protect Canadians. However, without addressing victim blaming, these efforts may fall short. Ending victim blaming is essential to encourage reporting, improve data, and build a more resilient cyber environment. Canada must shift the narrative from blaming victims to holding criminals accountable.
