Peterborough Police Seeking Bank Investigator Scam Suspect; Authorizes Share Tips to Protect Your Money
/The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after receiving several reports of bank investigator scams over the last two weeks.
Photo COURTESY OF THE pETERBOROUGH pOLICE.
In one case, the suspect posed as a representative from a banking institution, attended a Peterborough retirement home and picked up the 91-year-old victim’s bank card and VISA. Police determined that there were purchases on the VISA card and an ATM withdrawal of about $3,000.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
In this scam, fraudsters pose as bank investigators or security staff. These criminals claim to be investigating suspicious activity and trick victims into handing over money, card or account details.
How the Scam Works:
You receive a phone call, text or email claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department or a bank investigator. The scammer says there is suspicious activity on your account.
They may ask you to:
Withdraw cash and hand it over to a “bank investigator” or courier.
Transfer money to a “safe account” to protect it.
Provide your bank card, PIN, or online banking credentials.
Key Warning Signs
A caller pressures you to act immediately.
You are asked to keep the call secret or not tell bank staff.
They request you to move or withdraw funds in unusual ways.
Caller ID may look like your bank, but this can be spoofed.
How to Protect Yourself
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your card or statement.
Never share your PIN, online banking password, or verification codes.
Do not withdraw or transfer money at someone else’s direction.
Verify independently – if someone claims to be a bank investigator, contact your bank by calling the number on your card or attending the local branch.
