FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report
The Sûreté du Québec is urging local residents not to fall victim to scammers posing as bank employees who call to claim that they are investigating fraudulent activities related to their bank accounts.
The warning comes in the wake of the recent arrest of a 37-year-old man who attempted to scam a Vaudreuil-Dorion resident, who, instead of surrendering an envelope filled with credit and debit cards to the suspect, called 911 instead. Police raced to the unspecified address and arrested the suspect as he was exiting an Uber.
The incident happened March 6. The SQ did not reveal many details, including where the suspect lives, saying the investigation is continuing.
According to police, the suspect allegedly called the victim, identifying himself as a bank employee who was following up on so-called suspicious activities on the victim’s bank account. Police were told the caller wanted the victim to prepare an envelope filled with credit and debit cards, and that the suspect would come over and pick it up.
In a statement, the SQ said the incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, adding: “Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this type of fraud is encouraged to report the incident to the Sûreté du Québec and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Public vigilance remains essential to prevent this type of scam.”
The SQ warns the public to never disclose personal or banking information over the phone, saying no police officer or financial institution representative will ask for confidential information in this context.
“If in doubt, hang up and contact your financial institution or the Sûreté du Québec directly.”