Don't Fall Victim: Winnipeg Police Issue Urgent Warning on Pervasive Bank Card Scams

Winnipeg residents are urged to stay vigilant as police issue a stern warning against a cunning and increasingly prevalent bank card scam. Fraudsters are actively targeting individuals through phone calls, masquerading as legitimate representatives from banks or credit card companies, aiming to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive financial information or even handing over their physical cards.

The modus operandi of these criminals is remarkably consistent: victims receive an unsolicited call where the caller claims their bank or credit card has been compromised by fraudulent activity.

This creates an immediate sense of urgency and panic, making victims more susceptible to their demands. The scammers then proceed to request personal banking details, ask victims to transfer money to a "safe" account, or even instruct them to withdraw cash to "secure" their funds.

A particularly insidious variation involves fraudsters asking for credit card numbers and PINs under the guise of "cancelling" a supposed fraudulent transaction.

In some alarming instances, they may even arrange for a "courier" to pick up the "compromised" card directly from the victim's home. It’s crucial to understand that these are all hallmarks of a scam – no legitimate financial institution would ever operate in this manner.

Winnipeg Police are unequivocal in their advice: Your bank will NEVER ask for your Personal Identification Number (PIN) over the phone, nor will they instruct you to transfer money to another account or send a courier to collect your bank card.

If you receive such a call, the most effective course of action is simple: just hang up!

Do not trust your caller ID, as sophisticated technology allows scammers to "spoof" phone numbers, making their calls appear to originate from a legitimate bank or a familiar local number. If you are concerned about a call regarding your financial accounts, always disconnect the call and then independently contact your bank or credit card company using the official phone number found on the back of your card or on their official website.

Avoid calling back a number provided by the suspicious caller.

Protecting yourself from these sophisticated scams requires a proactive approach. Educate yourself and your loved ones about these tactics. If you believe you have been targeted by such a scam, or if you have unfortunately fallen victim, it is vital to report the incident to the Winnipeg Police Service.

Additionally, information should be shared with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help track these criminal activities and prevent others from becoming victims.