Scammers posing as bank investigators have bilked some unsuspecting residents of a total of $20,000 after they convinced them to hand over debit and credit cards, York Regional Police is warning.
Several York Region residents have reported to police that they were contacted by people posing as bank investigators. The victims were told their debit or credit cards had been compromised and they are asked for their card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN) for "verification" purposes, according to a York Regional Police news release.
The suspects the said someone will come to their residences 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, police said.
Police are providing 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 more tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, click here. Police advise you 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 police either online 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.
