A tip from western Canada gave the OPP and employees of a local business a big jolt of support to help prevent a fraud situation against an elderly resident of Marmora.
This past Tuesday, the OPP East Region’s Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative received a tip from the Edmonton Police Service regarding an organized fraud group targeting the individual.
Fraudsters, posing as bank investigators, instructed the victim to purchase gift cards at a local business and coached them to tell staff the cards were intended as Christmas gifts.
Thankfully, vigilant store employees recognized the warning signs and refused the transaction. Shortly after the victim returned home, police made contact and provided fraud prevention, education and support, helping prevent what could have been a significant financial loss.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported losing more than $28 million to Bank Investigator scams in 2025.
Tips from the OPP to protect yourself against Bank Investigator Scams include;
Don’t trust caller ID.
Criminals often use call-spoofing technology to make calls appear legitimate.
Never provide remote access to your computer to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
If someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and call your financial institution directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
