The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) is warning residents to be vigilant following a report of a scam in which fraudsters posed as officials from the Crown Attorney and Attorney General’s Office.
CPS was advised that earlier this week, an 82-year-old man received an unsolicited phone call from an individual claiming to be from his bank. The caller stated that a large payment had been made from his account and asked him to confirm the transaction. When the victim said he had not authorized it, the call was transferred to a second individual who claimed to be the Crown Attorney. This person provided a fake identification number and used other tactics to appear legitimate.
The fraudster instructed the victim to attend his bank while staying on the phone and directed him to withdraw all funds from his account to turn over as part of an alleged fraud investigation.
A bank teller intervened, preventing the victim from being defrauded. Despite this, the scammers persisted, making two additional calls to the victim while pretending to be from the Attorney General’s Office and insisting he provide them with his money.
Police remind community members:
The Crown Attorney, police, and other government officials will NEVER call you to request money.
You will never be asked to move or withdraw funds to assist with an investigation.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.
Do not provide personal information, banking details, or payments over the phone.
If you receive a similar call, or believe you may be the target of a scam, please contact police and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
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
