Wellington County OPP are advising residents to be aware of the “Agent of the Bank” fraud after a Centre Wellington resident fell victim to the scam and it cost them $50,000.
Police were contacted on April 19th after it was reported an unknown suspect provoked the victim to purchase and transfer over $50,000 in Bitcoin and gift cards.
The victim was led to believe that someone had attempted to access their credit card and bank account. They were then asked to assist the bank in tracking down the made-up criminal.
Over a series of days, the victim saw funds placed in their account and was then directed to purchase gift cards and Bitcoin with those new funds. They were then asked to share info from the purchases with the scammer.
The victim believed there was no risk as those new funds appeared in their account. An investigation revealed the money was actually being transferred from one of the victims other accounts.
Police remind residents that the banks don’t turn customers into agents for their investigations. Always ensure that you are dealing with the authorities, call your bank using a validated phone number and confirm what you are being told is true.
You are liable and put yourself in financial risk when you disclose banking information. Start looking out for yourself, stop trusting unfamiliar people and keep your guard up when unsolicitied people contact you over the phone or electronically.
