The North Bay Police Service is warning people to be careful when receiving a call, text, e-mail or instant message claiming to be from your bank.
Police have received reports about scammers claiming to be bank representatives and requesting a significant amount of money, by way of pre-paid gift cards.
“In three instances, victims were defrauded of several thousand dollars,” states a release.
The service says never to send money, gift cards, Bitcoin or anything else of value to someone you’ve never met in-person.
Police also say if someone claims to be a representative from your banking institution, you can always hang up and call your bank independently to verify.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of this or any other
scam, contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
