FRAUD FRIDAY: Compromised bank card scam

The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public of a fraud scheme that has been frequently reported across the country.

Residents will receive a phone call from a scammer claiming to be bank fraud investigators. The scammers then attempt to have the resident provide them with personal information, including account details and PIN numbers.

The resident is told that their card has been compromised and that a "courier" will come to collect their cards.

A scammer then attends the residence, collects their bank card, and uses it to make fraudulent purchases or cash withdrawals.

Legitimate fraud investigators will never ask an individual who may be the victim of fraud to provide their PIN number over the phone. They will also never attend a personal residence to take possession of bank or credit cards.

Police urge family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by scams.

It's rare that funds are recovered or reimbursed after being lost in a fraud scheme.

For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime