Edmonton Police and officers with a local OPP detachment combined their efforts to save an elderly Marmora resident from a recent fraud scam.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Ontario Provincial Police East Region’s Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative received a tip from the Edmonton Police Service regarding an organized fraud group targeting an elderly resident of Marmora, Ontario.
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.
Here’s how to Protect Yourself Against Bank Investigator Scams: 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. Thank you to the alert business staff and our policing partners for helping protect vulnerable members of our communities.
