Fraudster posed as an undercover officer, stole more than $20K in northern Ont.

Police are alerting the public after a victim in Markstay-Warren was tricked out of more than $20,000 by someone pretending to be police.

The Ontario Provincial Police is warning the public about a computer scam to steal funds by giving money to someone posing as an undercover officer.

One victim was robbed of more than $20,000, OPP said in a news release Tuesday.

Police were alerted Jan. 31 about a fraud that took place in Markstay-Warren.

“A victim was misled into believing their computer had been compromised, including bank accounts, and was under a criminal investigation by police,” the release said.

“To protect their funds from being frozen, the individual was directed to withdraw all money in cash, not exceeding $5,000 from various financial institutions and provided the funds to an undercover officer, at a specific location.”

Supposed to ‘safeguard’ the cash

The victim was told police would safeguard the cash by depositing it into a trust account during the investigation.

“The individual claiming to be an undercover officer was continuously talking on the phone, driving a newer black Ford Expedition,” police said.

The suspect is described as a middle-aged man of East Indian descent wearing black clothing.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information online where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. Use reference No. E250125972.

To protect yourself against fraud, police remind residents not to trust call display, because criminals can spoof their caller ID to appear legitimate.

“Individuals engaged in these fraudulent activities often impersonate financial institutions, claiming that unauthorized transactions have occurred on your account or that your account has been compromised,” police said.

“They pressure victims to provide personal information, transfer funds or assist in a fake investigation.”

To appear credible, those behind the schemes may send emails with fake logos or fraudulent contact information.

“If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and verify the claims by contacting your bank or the organization directly,” police said.

“Use a trusted number, such as the one on the back of your debit or credit card. Avoid clicking access to your computer under any circumstances.”

Legitimate organizations will never ask for banking information over the phone, tell you to transfer money or come to your home to get funds.

If you suspect fraud, contact local police, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre via the online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.