Ontario Provincial Police are alerting residents to a rising trend in fraud cases where suspects pose as police officers to steal large sums of money.
Police say scammers have been contacting victims by phone, falsely claiming to be OPP officers and using fabricated names, ranks, and badge information to gain trust. Victims are then instructed to withdraw cash, transfer funds using cryptocurrency platforms, or hand money over directly. In several reported cases, losses ranged from $6,000 to $13,000.
Investigators confirm that the names and ranks used by the callers do not belong to real OPP members. These scams often rely on urgency, fear, and intimidation, with victims being told immediate payment is required to avoid arrest or legal consequences.
The OPP remind residents that police officers will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone, nor will they pressure anyone to act quickly. Residents are urged not to provide personal or banking information to unsolicited callers and to pause and speak with a trusted friend or family member before making financial decisions.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from police can contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 to verify the call or report attempted fraud. Incidents should also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Police say awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing financial victimization.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
