Cobourg Police Service (CPS) reminds residents to protect themselves against fraud after a recent report of a phone scam involving a fraudster posing as a bank representative.
In the recently reported phone scam, a resident lost over $10,000 after receiving a phone call from a fraudster posing as a bank representative. The fraudster advised that there were fraudulent transactions on the victim’s credit card. The caller advised that a representative from the bank would attend the home to retrieve the card. A man attended the victim’s home, stating he was a courier and took possession of the credit cart. After the courier left, the victim received a call from their bank fraud department advising there had been suspicious activity on the credit card and bank account.
Many scams and fraudulent activities attempt to imitate financial or government agencies to gain access to personal and financial information. Protect yourself from scams and fraud.
• Scammers often use intimidation to pressure victims into compliance.
• Banks will not send someone to pick up a compromised credit or debit card. Banks and credit card
companies can deactivate your card remotely.
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
• If you receive a similar call, hang up and call your local police station and financial institution to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
If you have been a victim of a scam, report the incident to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website has a list of known scams and information about how to protect yourself.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
