The Ontario Provincial Police issued a warning about a scam in which suspects impersonate police officers to defraud residents of substantial sums. In recent reports, fraudsters have contacted victims by phone while claiming to be members of the OPP, using fabricated names, titles, and badge information. Victims were instructed to withdraw large sums and either send funds through cryptocurrency platforms or hand over cash directly.
The scheme has resulted in significant financial losses, with some victims paying between $6,000 and $13,000 to individuals falsely claiming to be officers. The OPP stressed that the names and ranks provided by the scammers do not correspond to any real officers.
The release notes that fraudsters often rely on urgency, intimidation, and fear to pressure compliance. Police will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone, will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest, and will advise callers to pause and consult with others before acting. If contacted by someone claiming to be an officer and unsure of legitimacy, people should call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 to verify the report and speak with law enforcement about fraud concerns. Residents who have already been targeted should report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
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