The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response (IFAR) Unit are warning residents across Eastern Ontario about emerging fraud trends that continue to target individuals and businesses. Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to gain access to personal information, financial accounts, and valuable property.
Cellphone Service Provider Fraud
Fraudsters pose as representatives of a victim’s cellphone service provider, offering discounts, upgraded plans, or new devices. During the call, victims are directed to log in to their legitimate cellphone account and provide account information, security codes, or personal details such as a driver’s licence number or Social Insurance Number.
Victims may then be instructed to order a smartphone that is delivered to their home. Once the device arrives, the fraudster claims the wrong phone was shipped and directs the victim to send it to another address. Victims are ultimately left responsible for the cost of the device and any associated financial losses.
Warning Signs
You receive an unsolicited phone call, text message, or email offering a discount, upgraded plan, or new device.
The caller pressures you to act immediately or claims the offer is only available for a limited time.
You are asked to log in to your cellphone account while the caller remains on the line.
You are asked to provide your account password, security code, PIN, or multi-factor authentication code.
You are asked to provide a driver’s licence, Social Insurance Number, or other identification.
You are encouraged to open an account with a different service provider.
You receive a cellphone or tablet and are instructed to send it to an address provided by the caller.
The address provided does not match the verified address of the service provider.
Online Classified Fraud
Fraudsters are targeting individuals selling heavy equipment, trailers, vehicles, and recreational equipment through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace. They often initiate contact through the platform before moving the conversation to email or text messaging. The fraudster agrees to purchase the item without viewing it and claims to be out of town, arranging for a towing company or third-party carrier to collect the equipment.
To appear legitimate, the fraudster may provide a photograph of a driver’s licence or other identification. The seller then receives a fraudulent payment, often in the form of a counterfeit cheque, money order, or bank draft delivered by the individual picking up the equipment. By the time the payment is identified as fraudulent, the equipment has already been removed.
Warning Signs
The buyer is located out of town and is willing to purchase the item without seeing it in person.
The buyer arranges for a tow truck or third party to pick up the item.
Payment is provided through a tow truck operator or other third party.
Payment is made using a cheque, money order, or bank draft rather than a verified electronic transfer.
The buyer is unwilling to meet in person or complete the transaction through secure, verifiable methods.
The Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative (IFARI) 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, providing investigative guidance, resources, and expert contacts to officers. IFARI members are assigned fraud investigations in collaboration with detachment leadership.
To learn more about merchandise fraud and other types of (frauds by A-Z index) visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
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 via the Fraud Reporting System or at 1-888-495-8501.
