Calgary police are warning the public about a new scam involving debit cards that has already cost unsuspecting victims combined losses of close to $60,000.
Police have received multiple reports from victims who received calls from someone pretending to be an employee from their bank, informing them that their debit card has been compromised.
The scammer then offers to send a courier to pick up the old card on behalf of the bank, with a new one due to arrive in the mail within a few days.
The victim gives their address, and a courier collects the card and asks for the PIN. Then, the scammers withdraw as much from the victim’s account as they can.
The suspects are contacting victims using a phone number that appears to be from a bank but isn’t.
Anyone who receives a call like this should not engage with the caller.
Anyone who believes their accounts may have been compromised should contact their bank immediately.
Under no circumstances should you ever allow a courier to pick up your bank card.
“We have identified this scam occurring in Calgary, but we know from being in touch with other law enforcement agencies, that this ongoing fraud trend is happening in several areas of the country,” said Calgary police Staff Sgt. Simon Ross, in a media release.
“These calls can seem very real to the unsuspecting victims, so we are taking this opportunity to warn Calgarians that this is not a typical bank process and to have a heightened sense of awareness when answering calls from banks and financial institutions as someone may be impersonating an employee.”
Anyone with information or who wishes to report a fraud is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.
