Senior targeted in $12,000 bank fraud scam in Durham Region

Police are still looking for two men alleged to have targeted a senior in a bank fraud scam in March, with the victim bilked of more than $12,000.

Police said the victim received an email that appeared to be from his banking institution on March 10 that instructed him to contact them via phone regarding his account. Once the man contacted the number, he was told his banking cards needed to be collected by a courier for security reasons.

A short time later, a male suspect visited the victim’s house and retrieved the bank cards.

A second suspect subsequently withdrew more than $12,000 from the victim’s accounts at multiple businesses.

The first suspect is described as brown, with dark coloured hair and facial hair.

The second suspect is described as Black, with long dark coloured hair in dreadlocks. He was wearing a yellow/beige puffer jacket, white shirt, khaki pants and black/white shoes.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. McCracken of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 x 1805.

Durham Regional Police want to remind everyone not to give out personal information, credit cards, and PIN codes to anyone over email or the phone. If you have, immediately notify your bank and credit card company, then report it to the police.

“Banks will NEVER send a courier to your home to pick up your banking cards or cash,” police cautioned.

Durham Police encourages everyone to speak to their loved ones about fraud prevention and remind them that when in doubt, call 211.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.