(OTTAWA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public about individuals using the OPP’s non-emergency telephone number to legitimize fraudulent bank investigator scams, where victims are misled into believing they must help catch a dishonest bank employee or resolve suspicious transactions by providing personal information or transferring funds.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are also warning about ongoing phishing schemes where those behind the scams claim to represent the RCMP.
The OPP has seen an increase in the spoofing of business, government and law enforcement telephone numbers, email addresses and websites.
How the schemes work
Individuals engaged in these fraudulent activities often impersonate financial institutions, claiming that unauthorized transactions have occurred on your account or that your account has been compromised. They pressure victims to provide personal information, transfer funds or assist in a fake investigation.
To appear credible, those behind the schemes may:
· spoof phone numbers and emails to appear legitimate
· send emails with fake logos or fraudulent contact information
How to protect yourself
Do not trust caller ID. Those behind the scam can spoof legitimate numbers to deceive you. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and verify the claims by contacting your bank or the organization directly. Use a trusted number, such as the one on the back of your debit or credit card. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages and never share authentication codes. Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer under any circumstances. Legitimate organizations will never:
· request you to transfer funds for “security” reasons
· ask for your bank card or visit your home to collect it
Important reminders from the OPP
· The OPP’s non-emergency number is for incoming calls only.
· The OPP will never contact the public to demand cryptocurrency or funds in connection with money laundering or major criminal investigations.
· The toll-free OPP number 1-888-310-1122 is available 24/7 for non-emergency calls in Ontario.
· This number also serves as a TTY (teletypewriter) service for the hearing impaired and is accessible 24/7 for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
Reporting fraud
If you suspect fraud, contact:
· Your local police
· OPP at 1-888-310-1122
· Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca
· Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre via the online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501
For more fraud prevention resources, visit: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
