The Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is warning residents about a scam targeting people in the area.
OPP say a resident received a call last Wednesday from someone claiming to be their bank, saying their credit card had been fraudulently used in another province. The victim was instructed to place both their credit and debit cards in an envelope, write a reference number on it, and leave it for pickup. Around 11:30 p.m., someone collected the envelope. The next day, the victim was asked personal questions over the phone, and later discovered over $14,000 had been stolen from their account.
A similar scam occurred on Thursday when a resident was told to cut up their cards for “bank collection.” They realized it was a scam before losing money, cancelled their cards, and protected their savings.
The OPP remind residents:
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Don’t trust caller ID; it can be spoofed.
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No bank will ask you to send your card or chip or send someone to pick it up.
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Hang up and call the bank using the number on your card.
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Banks will never ask for your PIN or personal information over the phone.
Residents who notice fraud, suspicious offers, or unusual contractor activity are urged to report it to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
For guidance on recognizing scams, visit ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud.
Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at stopcrimehere.ca or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The OPP stress the importance of vigilance to protect yourself and help maintain safe communities.
