The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is once again warning members of the public about a scam involving fraudsters posing as representatives from financial institutions. This scam involves criminals contacting individuals and falsely claiming there is an issue with their debit or credit card. Police warn that the call display may even show that the call is coming from your financial institution. Fraudsters are able to “spoof” numbers and make it appear as though the call is coming from either your financial institutions’ number or display the name directly.
The fraudsters may request personal banking information over the phone and then send someone to the victim’s home to collect their debit or credit card — claiming it needs to be replaced or inspected.
Please be advised: Legitimate financial institutions WILL NEVER SEND a representative to your home to collect your debit or credit cards.
This type of scam has been observed locally and is reportedly on the rise in other jurisdictions across the province and country.
The NRPS urges all residents to remain vigilant and to share this information with family members, especially seniors, who are often targeted by these types of scams.
How to Protect Yourself:
Contact the bank directly using the number on the bank of your card if you receive a call. Never give out personal or banking information over the phone. Do not hand over your debit or credit card to anyone who comes to your home uninvited. Report any suspected fraud to police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca) or 1-888-495-8501.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, contact the Niagara Regional Police Service non-emergency line at 905-688-4111 and request to file a report through our communications unit or file a report online.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
You may wish to provide information anonymously and can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online https://crimestoppersniagara.ca/ or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.