The Brantford Police Service is requesting help from the public to identify a male suspect involved in a fraud investigation following a recent incident targeting a local resident.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a victim reported receiving a phone call from a man posing as a fraud department employee for a large financial institution. Over the course of a 2.5-hour phone call, the suspect convinced the victim to share their PIN number. The suspect then dispatched a fraudulent courier service to the victim’s residence to collect their debit and credit cards, which were later used to withdraw cash and purchase pre-paid Visa cards.
Police have released a surveillance photo of the suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Constable Jeremy Morton is leading the investigation and can be reached at 519-756-7050 ext. 2869. Tips can also be provided anonymously through Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477, or via a web tip at Crime Stoppers.
Brantford Police remind the public to remain vigilant against such scams, which often target seniors. Residents are advised never to share PINs, bank cards, or personal information with anyone over the phone. If in doubt, contact your bank directly or visit a local branch to verify any claims.
The Brantford Police Service also took this opportunity to warn the community about several other common scams, including cryptocurrency fraud, phishing scams, and CRA phone scams, which continue to affect residents.
Fraud Awareness and Prevention
Fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated techniques to deceive victims, often using tactics such as caller ID “spoofing” to make their calls appear legitimate. Other scams involve false investment opportunities, requests for payment via gift cards, and online buy-and-sell schemes.
Authorities urge residents to remain cautious and educate themselves on fraud prevention. No legitimate organization will demand personal information, payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, or access to your computer or phone through screen-sharing applications.
Residents who believe they have been victims of fraud should contact both the police and their financial institution immediately. Fraud incidents can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
Protecting oneself and spreading awareness are vital steps in combating these crimes. For more information on fraud prevention, visit the Brantford Police Service website or consult trusted sources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Brantford Police emphasize that vigilance, research, and skepticism are key to avoiding these scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
