Cobourg Police Service (CPS) has issued a warning to residents after a recent phone scam involved a fraudster posing as a Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) representative.
In the reported case, a local resident was contacted by an unknown male claiming a warrant was out for their arrest. The victim, believing the call was legitimate, provided banking information and transferred $47,000 after speaking with a second individual who posed as a police supervisor.
Fortunately, the victim contacted CPS and managed to cancel the wire transfer before any funds were lost.
CPS reminds residents that FINTRAC does not contact the public to request personal or financial information, and police officers will never ask for money over the phone.
Scammers often use intimidation tactics to pressure victims into compliance. Residents are advised to never share personal or financial information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and verify the caller’s claims by contacting your local police station using a publicly available number.
If you have been a victim of a scam, you can report the incident to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website for more information on protecting yourself against fraud.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)