Holiday Season Fraud Alert: Public Urged to Remain Vigilant Against Scams and Theft

As the holiday season approaches, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Fraud Unit would like to take the opportunity to draw the public’s attention to potential scams, frauds and thefts.  The Fraud Unit wants to remind individuals to remain vigilant as fraudsters and thieves take advantage of increased shopping, travel, and seasonal distractions.

Distraction Thefts

• What are they - Often occur in busy areas such as parking lots, shopping centres, and transit hubs. Offenders may attempt to divert a victim’s attention in an effort to steal wallets, purses, phones, or other valuables.
• What can be done - These attempts can be mitigated by remaining alert, maintaining a personal space gap, and keeping personal belongings secure at all times.

Financial Fraud Schemes

• What are they – They often start with a phone call where fraudsters claim to be from a financial institution. Fraudsters may advise of alleged suspicious or fraudulent activity on an account and try to get victims to tell them their personal or financial information.
• What can be done - 

Financial institutions will never ask for your PIN, online banking password, or full security credentials. Do not provide this information over the phone. 

Financial institutions will never send someone to your home or workplace to collect bank cards or cash.  Do not give your bank card or cash out to a “collector”.

Financial institutions will never ask clients to assist with an “internal investigation.” Do not assist them. 

You will never be instructed by a legitimate financial institution to withdraw money and send it to them in any format, including cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or e-transfers. Do not convert your money. 

If you receive a request from someone who has contacted you, hang up immediately and contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.

The Fraud Unit would also like to remind people who use online shopping during the holidays, to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of websites and sellers.  Watch for deals that seem too good to be true and avoid clicking on suspicious links or unsolicited advertisements.

If you believe you have been targeted by fraud or theft, report it immediately to your financial institution and contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Staying informed and cautious can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for everyone.