(TRENT HILLS, ON) On Friday August 9, 2013 Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a possible fraud from a resident being asked to withdraw funds and meet the requestor at specific location in Campbellford, Ontario.
OPP were advised that an elderly female was contacted by an unknown male caller around noon on Thursday August 8, 2013 saying he was “testing employee honesty at her bankâ€Â. The male told the victim to withdraw $4,900 from her account and that if the teller asked what the funds were for she was to say it was for “a family emergencyâ€Â. She was then directed to meet another male at a location where he would take the money from her. The victim did provide her clothing description that day and her vehicle licence to the caller but had second thoughts and did not go through with the transaction or meeting, instead she contacted a family member and the police.
The banks in Campbellford were notified of this event by OPP and the victim took necessary actions to protect her credit card and bank account numbers as a precaution. OPP are continuing this investigation.
Northumberland OPP would like to caution residents about this type of fraud being taken to a different level as the suspect is now asking to meet in person who could then potentially endanger the person for further victimization such as assault or robbery. Please do not provide any personal information, credit card or bank account numbers to persons seeking it.
For further information regarding fraud and how to protect yourself and family, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or go online to www.antifraudcentre.ca or the Crime Prevention Section at www.opp.ca