Victim

A victim is a person who suffers harm or loss because of another's wrongful conduct, most often used for victims of crime. It is a general term rather than a defined business law concept. A business that suffers loss through fraud, theft or other wrongdoing can pursue civil remedies and may ask for restitution in a criminal case.

How BC law treats it

BC's Victims of Crime Act, RSBC 1996, c 478 deals with information and rights for victims, and the Crime Victim Assistance Act, SBC 2001, c 38 provides benefits to individuals injured by violent crime, not businesses suffering financial loss. A criminal court may order restitution under s. 738 of the Criminal Code, and the federal Canadian Victims Bill of Rights also applies.

What it means for your business

A business that loses money to fraud should report it, preserve evidence and consider a civil claim to recover the loss.

Risks and common mistakes

Waiting for a criminal case to finish before starting a civil claim can let the limitation period run out.

Browse the full Fulcrum Law Dictionary for related terms.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.