What happened
The Competition Bureau warned that scammers use AI to impersonate the prime minister, officials and other leaders. It listed three methods: deepfake video and audio pushing products, investments or giveaways; fake government websites that AI makes easy to build; and calls or texts using cloned voices about programs, refunds or enforcement. (Competition Bureau Canada, March 9, 2026)
What it means for Canada
AI-built fake government sites and voice-cloned calls target Canadians and businesses with fake programs, refunds and enforcement threats.
- Sectors
- All businesses dealing with government programs · Consumers
- Tools involved
- Websites · Phone and SMS
- Canadian rules
- Competition Act deceptive marketing; report to the Competition Bureau
Takeaways for Canadian businesses and individuals
- BusinessHave staff type government addresses (canada.ca, cra-arc.gc.ca) directly instead of following links in messages.
- BusinessCheck web addresses for extra words, odd endings such as .info, .net or .com, and rearranged letters, the tells the Bureau lists.
- IndividualsTreat urgent calls or texts from 'officials' about refunds or penalties as suspect; verify through official channels.
- IndividualsReport impersonation to the Competition Bureau or the CAFC.
For the Canadian AI sector
Easy website and voice generation lowers the cost of impersonation. Expect more scrutiny of AI tools that can clone voices or likenesses.
Written by AgentsNorth from the source below. General information, not legal or security advice.