The Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have received a report of a fraud that has taken place in the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township.
On Friday October 3, 2025, the Peterborough County OPP received a call from an individual reporting that they had become the victim of a fraud.
The victim stated that they had been contacted by someone claiming to be with Equifax Fraud Department. The caller told the victim that their accounts had been compromised and instructed them to cut up their debit cards and place them in a box outside where they would later be picked up.
The caller then requested the victim provide a picture of their identification. The caller had a cell phone delivered to the residence to assist with getting the picture. Eventually the victim did supply the information.
The victim eventually went to their banks and reported the incidents at which point they were advised of multiple fraudulent transactions that had taken place.
If your bank account has been breached, Equifax will not contact you, your bank will. Equifax will not initiate unsolicited calls or texts asking for personal information. These are common scam tactics so be wary of calls that sound like this. Never provide any banking information or personal information based on a call. Fraudsters rely on your trust to supply the information they need to take advantage of you.
The OPP urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers or contractor activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the OPP at 1-888-310 -1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
For more information on how to recognize and protect yourself from scams, visit //www.ontario.ca/page/identify-scam-or-fraud
To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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
