OPP Warning the Public About Ongoing Fraud Scheme Known as Bank Investigator Fraud

Eastern Ontario – The OPP is warning the public about an ongoing fraud scheme known as Bank Investigator Fraud.

Criminals impersonate financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, credit reporting bureaus, or online retailers and claim suspicious activity has been detected on your account.

Victims are often pressured into taking immediate action, including:

• Withdrawing money from their bank account
• Purchasing gift cards from local retailers
• Providing gift card numbers and redemption codes
• Depositing funds into cryptocurrency ATMs

Fraudsters often spoof legitimate phone numbers and may remain on the line throughout the process to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy.

Protect Yourself:

• Don’t trust caller ID alone.
• Contact your bank directly using verified contact information.
• Never provide remote access to your devices.
• Banks, government agencies, and police will never demand immediate action over the phone.
• No legitimate investigation will require gift cards or cryptocurrency payments.
• Police and financial institutions will never send someone to your home to collect cash, bank cards, gift cards, or valuables.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud or cybercrime, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and report it to the @canantifraud at 1-888-495-8501 or through its online reporting system.