The Ontario Provincial Police is warning the public of a scam in which someone impersonates an RCMP officer to get cash from victims.
Nipissing West OPP launched a fraud investigation on Jan. 31 after being contacted by a Markstay-Warren resident.
“A victim was misled into believing their computer had been compromised, including bank accounts, and was under a criminal investigation by police,” OPP said in a release. “To protect their funds from being frozen, the individual was directed to withdraw all money in cash, not exceeding $5,000 from various financial institutions and provide the funds to an undercover officer, at a specific location.”
The fraudster claimed the money would be deposited in a secure trust account by police during the so-called investigation.
The victim said the culprit was of South Asian descent, middle-aged and wearing black clothing. The person was driving a black Ford Expedition.
Anyone has any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000. Ref.# E250125972.
The scam is similar to one that occurred in Greater Sudbury late last year. Greater Sudbury Police began investigating after a community member received an alert on their phone advising to call the RCMP as a fraud had occurred with one of their bank accounts.
The community member called the number, was advised they owed $20,000 and that telling anyone about the fraud would jeopardize the investigation. The community member was instructed to withdraw $20,000 in cash, put it in a box and meet an undercover officer with the funds.
Police made an arrest in that case.
To protect yourself from these types of scams, the OPP recommends a few actions, including not trusting caller ID.
“Those behind the scam can spoof legitimate numbers to deceive you. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and verify the claims by contacting your bank or the organization directly. Use a trusted number, such as the one on the back of your debit or credit card. Avoid clicking access to your computer under any circumstances.”
Legitimate organizations will never request you to transfer funds for "security" reasons or ask for your bank card or visit your home to collect it.
For more fraud prevention resources, visit: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.