BPS Advise Residents of Recent Fraud in Community
August 27, 2025
The Brantford Police Service are issuing an advisory to residents after receiving multiple reports of two ongoing scams. We are asking the public to share this information to spread awareness and notify anyone who may be especially vulnerable. These fraudsters can be very convincing and often target seniors. BPS would like to remind the public not to provide your PIN access codes or bank cards to anyone. When in doubt, call your bank directly or visit your bank in person to confirm legitimacy. If you feel an activity being requested of you is suspicious, please contact your bank or the Brantford Police Service for guidance.
Some of the recent scams reported to police recently involve the following:
Debit/Credit Card Fraud
Reports have been received where the victim will receive a phone call from someone posing as a representative from their financial institution who then advises the victim that their debit and/or credit cards have been compromised. The victim is then advised that an agent will come to their home to retrieve the cards. The suspect(s), arrive at the victim’s home to retrieve the cards along with the associated PIN numbers. The PIN numbers may be requested from the victim in person or over the phone. The victim is then persuaded to avoid notifying family and/or the police, citing “government corruption.” The suspect(s), then leave with the cards and PIN numbers to make fraudulent in-store purchases.
Under no circumstances will a financial institution request to verify your accounts in this manner.
Jewelry Swap
Reports have been received locally, where a male and female suspect, working together, beckon an elderly victim to their vehicle and request directions to religious temples. Afterwards, the scammers hand fake gold chains to the victim, claiming that their culture promotes this behaviour for good deeds. The suspects then place the fake gold onto the suspect and proceed to remove the real jewelry from the unsuspecting victim. The suspects then leave the scene in their vehicle.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/online-reporting
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
· Be mindful of advertisements for investments that promise higher than normal returns.
“If it’s too good to be true, it most always is too good to be true.”
· Be aware that social media account takeovers are becoming more and more common. Suspects will take over a social media account and post advertisements for their scams. It will appear that your social media friends are making these posts and referring you to the investment.
· Be mindful when investing with or providing any personal information to a potential investment advisor. Do your research before investing. Ask for phone numbers and be sure you can contact these persons on these phone numbers. Confirm an address where the investor is based out of. Ask for references. In all likelihood, if you ask a scammer for these things, they will either not be able to provide them or will provide excuses as to why they cannot provide them.
· Never allow anyone to access your phone or computer thru a screen sharing application. A legitimate entity would never invade your privacy in this way.
· DO NOT provide personal information (e.g., Social Insurance Number, passport number, banking information or credit card numbers) over the phone unless you placed the call, and you know for certain who you are speaking to.
· Accredited businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment using gift cards or bitcoin.
· If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
· Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an email, especially overseas.
· Resist the pressure to act quickly, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
· Consider adding your phone number to the National Do Not Call List: www.Innte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng
· Consult with someone you trust before agreeing to provide large sums of money to anyone.
· DO NOT write down passwords and carry them with you.
If you have already sent funds and/or your personal information, contact the police and your financial institution immediately. If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the CRA scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
Public Safety in Partnership with our Community