FRAUD FRIDAY: Distraction fraud

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise awareness of fraud schemes and scams that target local residents.

Distraction fraud is a tactic used by scammers where they’ll identify targets about to use a debit or credit card, such as in a store making a purchase or at an ATM. It’s common for the scheme to have multiple individuals involved and to target elderly victims.

With this fraud, perpetrators will observe their targets entering the PIN of their debit or credit cards and may discretely use video recordings to detect the number.

Then, the perpetrators will distract the victim while the card is stolen. The card, with the PIN, is then quickly used to withdraw cash or make high-value purchases.

Anyone who has had a debit or credit card lost or stolen should contact their financial institution immediately to prevent someone else from being able to access funds.

The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud.

Prevention is the best protection against fraud.

If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/)

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