Fraudsters are targeting victims in person to obtain their banking cards

Richmond

2024-12-05 08:48 PST

File # 24-38319

Richmond RCMP is warning the public of a scam where fraudsters are picking up bank cards in person to defraud victims.

In this alleged scheme, the victim receives a call from someone claiming to be an investigator from the fraud department of a banking institution. The fraudster then advises the victim that their banking cards had been compromised and requested their address so the banking institution could send someone to their residence collect them, and hand-deliver their replacement cards to them the next day.

After obtaining their address, the fraudster then attends the victim’s residence to collect their banking cards, with the promise that they would deliver their replacement cards in person the next day. After obtaining their bank cards, the fraudster then transfers funds from the victim’s accounts.
By informing the public of these types of scams we hope to reduce the likelihood of others falling for similar schemes, said Corporal Kenneth Lau. Providing personal information to unverified callers could result in you being further targeted by fraudsters in their criminal activity.

Tips to protect yourself from banking card frauds:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers, especially those requesting for your personal information.
• Never share your credit card or banking card PIN verbally with anyone.
• If you believe your credit or banking card has been compromised, contact the phone number on the card itself for more information.
• Never provide your banking cards to anyone to dispose of them.
• Replacement cards will never be hand-delivered to your residence: they will either be sent to your address by mail or delivered to a local financial institution for you to pick up after verifying your identity.

For detailed advice on recognizing and avoiding being a victim of fraud and a list of other common scams, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website here.

If you believe you are a victim of a fraud, please report the incident to your police of jurisdiction.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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