The Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit is warning the public about a new variation of the ongoing bank investigator scam.
In a concerning new variation, suspects are now sending emails to victims, claiming to be investigators with the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The emails falsely state that OPS officers will retrieve the victim’s bank cards. These fraudulent emails often come from Gmail addresses, such as cst.jordanblake.ops@gmail.com, and may use language designed to appear official.
The OPS reminds the public that legitimate police officers or financial institutions will never request personal banking information, nor will they ask for bank cards to be picked up from your home.
If you receive a suspicious call or email of this nature:
- Do not provide any personal or banking information.
- Do not leave your bank cards for anyone to collect.
- Hang up immediately and contact your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.
- If you are unsure, contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam is encouraged to report it to the Ottawa Police Service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
(Richard Evans)