The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public about an alarming rise in fraudulent scams where criminals are using the OPP’s non-emergency phone number to appear legitimate. These scammers mislead victims into believing they need to assist in catching a dishonest bank employee or resolving suspicious transactions by sharing personal information or transferring funds. The OPP, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), is urging Ontarians to be cautious of these scams.
Fraudsters typically impersonate financial institutions, claiming that unauthorized transactions have taken place or that a victim’s account has been compromised. They pressure victims to provide sensitive information, transfer money, or help with a fake investigation. To make their scam more convincing, the criminals often spoof phone numbers, email addresses, and logos to appear like legitimate organizations.
The OPP emphasizes that individuals should not trust caller ID, as scammers can easily disguise their number to look like a trusted source. If you receive a suspicious call, it’s important to hang up and contact your bank or the organization directly using a trusted phone number, like the one on the back of your debit or credit card. Victims should also avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or sharing authentication codes. Additionally, no legitimate organization will ever ask you to transfer funds for “security” reasons or request your bank card in person.
The OPP also reminds the public that its non-emergency number, 1-888-310-1122, is for incoming calls only, and the OPP will never contact individuals to demand cryptocurrency or funds for investigations related to money laundering or other major crimes. This toll-free number is available 24/7, and it serves as a TTY (teletypewriter) service for those with hearing impairments.
If you suspect you have been targeted by fraud, the OPP encourages you to report it immediately. You can contact your local police, reach the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Additionally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is available at 1-888-495-8501 or through their online reporting system.
For more resources on fraud prevention, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Stay vigilant and always verify any suspicious claims directly with trusted organizations.