Don’t trust caller ID, hang up the phone if someone claims to be from your financial institution and never provide remote access to your computer.
East Region OPP is issuing that advice when it comes to making sure that you don’t fall victim to bank investigator fraud.
Police say the crime involves criminals impersonating financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, credit reporting bureaus, and online retailers in an effort to gain access to victims’ bank accounts and steal their money.
They say that there’s also been a recent variation of the fraud where victims are directed to attend their financial institution and withdraw funds and then are instructed to purchase gift cards from local retailers while remaining on the phone with the caller, who continues to impersonate a bank employee.
Once the gift cards have been purchased, victims are persuaded to provide the gift card numbers and redemption codes, allowing the fraudsters to immediately access and drain the funds.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In 2025, Canadians reported losses exceeding $28 million to the CAFC as a result of bank investigator fraud.
