The OPP is warning residents of a recent rise in bank account and credit card scams involving increasingly sophisticated tactics.
The OPP East Region Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative said it has received an increase of reports from victims contacted by fraudsters posing as representatives of financial institutions. Police said these fraudsters often claim suspicious or unauthorized charges have appeared on a victim’s credit card, or that money has been stolen from their bank account.
In a recent incident, police said a fraudster(s) impersonated representatives from a major financial institution and used caller ID spoofing, a fraudulent verification website, and deceptive tactics to gain the victim’s trust and obtain personal and banking information.
The fraudster(s) then gained access to the victim’s financial accounts, changed email account settings, and carried out unauthorized credit card purchases, resulting in significant financial losses.
The OPP is advising residents of several precautions they can use to protect themselves from fraud. They advise that caller ID can be spoofed, so residents should never assume a phone number on caller ID is accurate. Residents should never provide remote access to their computer to someone they do not know, and anyone who receives a call claiming to be from their financial institution should hang up and call the verified phone number on the back of their bank or credit card.
Anyone who suspects fraud or has been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to their local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
