The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of a rising trend in police impersonation scams in Eastern Ontario. Police say fraudsters have contacted victims by phone, claiming to be members of the OPP. In some cases, the suspect uses the name of a real OPP officer, while in other incidents the fraudster has used fabricated names, titles, and badge information to gain credibility. Victims were instructed to withdraw large sums of money and either send the funds through cryptocurrency platforms or hand over cash directly. In recent cases, there were significant financial losses. Police say some victims sent between $6,000 and $13,000 to the scammers. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an OPP officer and you are unsure of its legitimacy, you can contact the OPP through their non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. You can protect yourself against police impersonation scams by using these fraud prevention strategies:
Police will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone.
Police will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or pressure you to act urgently.
Do not provide banking details, PINs, or identification numbers to unsolicited callers.
Pause and talk to a trusted family member or friend before making any financial decision under pressure.
Residents who have been targeted or victimized by fraud are encouraged to contact police and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca.
Written by: Cindy Clyne with files from Ontario Provincial Police