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The Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents about increasingly sophisticated scams involving fraudsters impersonating bank representatives.
The OPP East Region Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative is reporting an increase in cases involving criminals who claim a victim’s bank account or credit card has been compromised.
In one recent incident, fraudsters impersonated representatives from a major financial institution, using caller ID spoofing and a fraudulent verification website to gain a victim’s trust.
The criminals obtained personal and banking information, accessed the victim’s financial and electronic accounts, changed email settings and made unauthorized credit card purchases, resulting in significant financial losses.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported losing more than $28 million to bank investigator scams in 2025.
Police are reminding residents not to trust caller ID displays, as phone numbers can be spoofed. They also warn against providing remote access to computers to unknown callers.
Anyone receiving a call claiming to be from their financial institution should hang up and call back using the number printed on the back of their bank or credit card.
The OPP initiative was launched in 2025 to strengthen fraud investigations across East Region by providing officers with investigative guidance, resources and specialized contacts.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by fraud should contact their local police service and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or through its online Fraud Reporting System.
