Public Advisory, Bank Card Scam

Public Advisory,
Bank Card Scam

Broadcast time: 04:59 PM
Date: Monday, Apr 29, 2024
Unit: 43 Division
Case #: n/a

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an ongoing Bank Card Scam.

It is reported that:

• suspects are impersonating bank staff, phone or utility companies and targeting the elderly community
• they will either get the victim to agree to upgrade their current services or simply tell them their cards are expired and they will need to get new ones
• they will then obtain the victim's banking information and tell them they will issue them new cards
• the suspect will instruct the victims to place all of their cards into an envelope, place them into their mailbox and will send someone to pick up their old cards, leaving the new ones
• they will then empty all of the victim's accounts associated to the cards or make purchases utilizing the cards

Tips to prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud:

• be wary of any cold calls and/or unsolicited persons claiming to upgrade services
• banks will never ask you to place any bank cards or credit cards into envelopes and leave them unattended in your mailbox
• do not provide your banking information to anyone over the phone
• do not be rushed into making a decision. If possible, consult with a known financial planner and/or financial institution such as your home bank
• contact your bank or utility provider to ensure they are the ones calling, using the number you have for them, not the number provided by the caller
• conduct a Google search for any scams or complaints associated with the company
• contact police if you suspect you have been the victim of a fraud

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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Constable Laura Brabant for Detective Constable Sarah da Silva