Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit – Major Fraud are warning the community of an emerging bank investigator scam.
Since December 2023, York Regional Police has received several reports from citizens across the region who have been contacted by suspects posing as bank investigators. The victims are told that their debit or credit cards have been compromised and they are asked for their card numbers and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) for ‘verification’ purposes.
The suspects then tell the victims that in order to help further the investigation, someone will be sent to their house to pick up their cards. Once the suspects have the cards, they are used to make illegal purchases.
Several victims have reported losing up to a total of $20,000 as a result of the scam.
To avoid becoming a victim, follow these crime prevention tips:
Never give your personal or financial information to someone unknown, especially over the phone
Press the caller for details if they identify as a member from the bank and verify their information
Never provide your banking cards to anyone that comes to your home
Please take some time and ask yourself: “Could this be a scam?” “Does it make sense?”
For a list of ongoing scams and tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, visit yrp.ca/fraud. We encourage citizens to share these fraud prevention tips with friends and family, especially seniors or newcomers to Canada, who are frequently the target victims.
If you have been a victim of a fraud, and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit either online at yrp.ca/ReportIt or by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627. To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-496-8501.