'Sophisticated' scammers pretending to be bank investigators, cops warn

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Police are warning that “sophisticated” scammers are targeting the public — especially seniors — by pretending to be bank investigators over the phone.

Toronto Police issued the warning and released video Tuesday, saying that victims have received unsolicited calls from scammers identifying themselves as fraud investigators with a phone number “often spoofed” to be identical to the number on the back of the victim’s debit card.

Police said the scammer will have detailed information about the victim’s bank accounts and will then alert them to a supposedly fraudulent transaction before soliciting additional information from the victim, including PINs and account passwords.

“The scammers gain access to the complainants’ bank accounts due to the complainants following their instructions, including clicking on links provided,” Const. Ashley Visser said.

“A courier then attends the complainants’ location and picks up their bank cards.”

Visser said the Toronto Police financial crimes unit is advising people to never share banking information, PINs or security codes over the phone, hang up immediately after receiving a suspicious call and then contact their bank directly by using a verified number or visiting a local branch.

“Financial Institutions will never call you and ask for PIN numbers or passwords over the phone,” Visser said. “Financial institutions do not send couriers to collect debit or credit cards.”

Visser said people should contact police if they suspect they’ve been scammed and to contact a credit-monitoring company, such as TransUnion Canada or Equifax, as well.

Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or 222tips.com.

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