For the past few months, the RIPTB has noticed that people have been victims of financial fraud by telephone calls from false representatives. This is why the RIPTB calls on the vigilance of citizens and those around them to prevent this type of fraud.

Modus operandi (how to recognize suspects):

The fraudster communicates with the victim by telephone by falsely presenting himself as an employee of a financial institution, such as an advisor or an investigator, or even as a police officer.

This false representative may be aware of certain banking transactions carried out by the victim and he mentions them to him in order to gain credibility and gain the trust of the latter during the call.

Once the link has been established, the false representative explains to the person that they have been the victim of fraud and offers them solutions so that they can protect their assets or obtain new debit or credit cards.

Different Stratagems:

The false representative uses different schemes to get the victim to take action.

In addition, he asks the senior to send him his bank cards with his personal identification numbers (PIN) in order to obtain new ones.

Sometimes, he even offers the victim to put the prepaid cards or his debit or credit cards with the corresponding PINs in an envelope so that someone can pick them up.

The false representative can also ask the victim to put this envelope under the carpet outside the front door, in the mailbox or even offer to pick it up in person.

Prevention Tips:

Do not rely systematically on what is written on the screen of your telephone to confirm the authenticity of your interlocutor. There is, for example, software that allow them to modify the display of the real call number. (number of your financial institution)

If in doubt, hang up and verify the authenticity of the call by contacting your institution or your police department directly.

No police department, government department or financial institution asks to transfer funds by cryptocurrency, to make the purchase of prepaid cards and does not offer to pick up your cards at home to pay off a debt caused by an alleged fraud or to protect your assets.

Never give your bank cards or PINs to anyone, under any circumstances, unless you are at your financial institution in person or have contacted the police yourself.

In the event of fraud or a situation that appears to be fraudulent:

Check the validity of the call; contact your institution yourself using an official telephone number.

You should not be ashamed if you are a victim: the fraudster is an excellent manipulator. Report it.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local police department

Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501 • antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

the Elder Abuse Help Line, at 514 489-2287 • aideabusaines.ca;