If someone phones you claiming that your bank account or credit card has been compromised, do not give them your pin or passwords.
The Ontario Provincial Police say that a recent string of fraud starts with that premise. The fraudster will pretend to be a bank employee and ask you for that information after identifying you by name.
They will also ask you to leave your credit and debit cards in an envelope near your front door for “pick-up and destruction.” In each reported case, the scammer made an appearance at the home of the victim to collect the cards.
If you get a call like this, tell them you will call back then immediately dial the number on the back of your banking cards to verify the situation.
If you believe you have been scammed, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the local detachment of the OPP.
(written by Kasey Egan)
