US Secret Service Helps OPP Recover Funds From a Tech Service Fraud

Kemptville – The Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a Tech Service fraud that was reported on February 19, 2026, where an Oxford Mills resident received a telephone call from someone impersonating a Bell Canada representative to inquire about upgrading the router due to recent installation of fiberoptic lines.

The victim was instructed to download remote entry software to her device, at which point the bad actor informed the victim that a virus had be found, requiring the matter to be escalated. The victim was guided to login to their online banking were the bad actor manipulated the victims accounts, causing the victim to believe that there was an overpayment made. The bad actor directed the victim to attend their financial institution on multiple occasions where wire transfers of the “overpayment” were made to a US financial institution.

The OPP contacted the United States Secret Service (USSS) representative regarding the wire transfers. The USSS quickly contacted the US financial institution, which received the transfers. As a result, the victim’s financial institution will be working on recovering portions of the funds.

What is a Tech Support fraud?

• Bad actors will call victims, appear in pop-ups which seem to freeze your computer, send you an email with a fake invoice or will appear in your online search results for ‘reputable service providers’ providing a phone number for victims to call.
• Once in contact with victims, bad actors will request remote access to their computer. If remote access is gained, victims put themselves at risk for identity fraud. Bad actors may also ask for a payment for their “services”.

Warning Signs – How to Protect Yourself

• Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls or pop-ups stating your computer/device is infected with a virus or a threat had been detected.
• Do not open or click on any link as malware could be installed.
• Always have your computer/device serviced by a reputable local business.
• Never allow an unknown person to gain remote access to your computer/device.
• If you received a call from your service provider, advise them that you will call them back and end the call.
• Look up the legitimate phone number for the company and communicate with them directly by aways making the outgoing call.

If you or someone you have been defrauded contact your local police service and report online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or visit www.antifraudcentre.ca.