Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to convince victims that their bank accounts or credit cards have been compromised.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative (IFARI) is seeing an increase in reports from victims who have been contacted by fraudsters claiming to represent financial institutions. Fraudsters often claim there have been suspicious or unauthorized charges on a victim’s credit card or that funds have been stolen from their bank accounts.
In one recent incident, unknown fraudster(s) posed as fraud representatives from a major financial institution and used caller ID spoofing, a fraudulent verification website, and deceptive tactics to gain the victim’s trust and obtain personal and banking information.
The fraudster(s) subsequently gained unauthorized access to the victim’s financial and electronic accounts, altered email account settings, and conducted fraudulent transactions, resulting in significant financial losses through unauthorized credit card purchases.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported losing more than $28 million to bank investigator scams in 2025.
How to protect yourself:
• Criminals use caller ID spoofing to mislead victims. Do not assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate.
• Never provide remote access to your computer to someone you do not know or trust.
• If you receive a call claiming to be from your financial institution, advise the caller that you will call them back using the telephone number found on the back of your bank card or credit card.
The Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative is an OPP East Region pilot program launched in 2025. Led by a detective sergeant and supported by provincial constables from across East Region, the team enhances frontline fraud investigations by reviewing fraud and cyber-enabled fraud reports and providing investigative guidance, resources, and expert contacts to officers. IFARI members are also assigned fraud investigations in collaboration with detachment leadership.
If you suspect fraud or have been a victim of fraud, report it to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online through the Fraud Reporting System or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
