An investigation into an alleged fraud involving the impersonation of police where “the victim suffered a substantial financial loss” is continuing, says Northumberland OPP.
On Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, police said OPP received a report from a Northumberland resident who had been contacted by someone claiming to be from their financial institution.
“The caller advised that the victim’s bank account had been compromised and that a follow-up call from the OPP would provide next steps,” said police, in a release issued Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Shortly after, police said the victim received a second call, which appeared to come from a number associated with a Greater Toronto Area police service.
“The caller claimed to be an OPP officer and instructed the victim to withdraw cash from their financial institution and transfer it to an e-currency wallet to secure the funds,” said OPP.
The fraudsters told the victim they would receive a new debit card in the mail to access the funds at a later time, continued police, adding that as a result of the scam, “the victim suffered a substantial financial loss.”
The investigation is ongoing, but the incident has prompted OPP to issue a public reminder that police will never ask people to withdraw money, transfer funds to cryptocurrency wallets or send cash through the mail.
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from police or a financial institution, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number, stressed OPP.
If you believe you’re a victim of a scam, OPP also continues to urge residents to report it to police by calling 1-888-310-1122 and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)