Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Police Service has issued a public advisory following a significant increase in reports of fraudulent phone calls targeting local residents. Over the past several weeks, many individuals have been contacted by scammers posing as representatives from their financial institutions. These fraudulent callers claim that the victim’s bank account has been compromised or that unauthorized transactions have occurred.
Once the victim engages with the caller, the scammer, under the guise of securing the account, instructs the victim to transfer funds, which are then intercepted. In many cases, the incoming call is spoofed to appear as though it is coming from a legitimate number associated with the victim’s financial institution.
Police are reminding the public that legitimate financial institutions will never request the transfer of funds or sensitive personal information over the phone. They advise residents to hang up and call their bank directly using the number found on the back of their financial card.
