On February 9, 2026, Bracebridge OPP has responded to two separate reports of scams that has cost the victims thousands of dollars.

During one interaction, scammers called the victim on the phone and convinced them that they were collecting gift cards to help those in need in the community. The well-intentioned victim followed through on the request and ultimately lost several thousand dollars.

The second interaction involved what has become known as the “emergency scam” or “grandparent scam”, during which a phone call is made to the victim, who is then convinced that their family member is in harms way and they require money. These calls can be emotional and stressful and unfortunately, thousands of dollars in this case, were lost to this scam.

Fraudsters put a great deal of effort into the tactics used to steal money from victims. Generally, they apply a lot of pressure and create an emotional response in their victims, which can lead to impulsive decisions. In most situations this involves the use of technology and the transfer of data or digital funds.

Scammers can target anyone, here are some tips to help protect yourself:

• Don’t be afraid to say no
• Slow things down and verify all information with a trusted source
• Don’t give out personal information including your address, birthdate, social insurance number or credit card/banking information
• Protect your computer and watch for urgent looking messages
• Protect your online accounts and choose strong passwords
• Recognize spoofing- fraudsters have the ability to manipulate the phone number appearing on your call display or text messages, even email addresses.
• Never click on links received via text message or email.

For more fraud facts and figures and a downloadable booklet (PDF), visit The Competition Bureau of Canada website at https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home or by visiting http://www.opp.ca, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Protect yourself from scams and fraud.

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The investigation, led by the OPP ARB Economic Crimes and Corruption Unit, included support from the OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, the OPP Integrated Fraud Awareness and Response Initiative, OPP Central Region and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

As a result of the investigation, two individuals were charged under the Criminal Code.

Stuart Barton, 30 years of age of the United Kingdom, was charged with the following offences:

·      Fraud under $5,000

·      Fraud over $5,000 – three counts

Edward Barton, 28 years of age of the United Kingdom, was charged with fraud over $5,000.

Both accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The OPP would like to thank the CBSA for their assistance in this investigation.

Fraud continues to evolve, affecting individuals and businesses across Canada. Many of these crimes are committed by individuals who use deception, misrepresentation and manipulative tactics to exploit trust. If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud, do not wait to contact your police service of jurisdiction. If that is the OPP, report fraud by calling 1-888-310-1122. For more information on fraud awareness or to report a fraud attempt, go directly to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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Some common tactics fraudsters use to target unsuspecting Ontarians include impersonating the local utility or its employees, making threatening phone calls, texts and emails; or showing up in-person at a customer’s home or business and requesting personal information or payment. These requests can include pressure for immediate payment, threats to disconnect service the same day, and demands to purchase prepaid debit cards, gift cards or bitcoin.

To help customers stay vigilant, Alectra Utilities, Elexicon Energy, Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa are reminding Ontarians to take these important steps to protect themselves against fraud:

For Residential Customers

• Double-check your bill: Only make payments for charges listed on your latest bill.
• Avoid suspicious links and verify the source: Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to offer refunds or account updates. Contact your utility directly using the official number on your bill
• Protect personal information: Do not share account details, passwords, or personal data with anyone claiming to represent your utility.
• Remain calm: Utility companies will never demand immediate payment or threaten same-day disconnection.
• Report threats: If you feel threatened contact the police.

For Business Customers

Scammers are also targeting businesses. Business owners and employees should remain cautious with these additional safeguards:

• Train your team: Ensure employees know to verify unsolicited calls or emails before sharing sensitive information.
• Avoid sharing account details: If the call wasn’t initiated by your business, don’t confirm any account or business information.
• Keep a contact list: Maintain a list of verified utility providers to help employees identify legitimate communication.

Reporting fraud
If you suspect fraud or have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and contact your utility.

National Fraud Prevention Month helps raise awareness and provide useful tips to recognize, reject, and report fraud. Ontario’s utilities want to help safeguard the privacy and security of all residential and business customers.

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Some common tactics fraudsters use to target unsuspecting Ontarians include impersonating the local utility or its employees, making threatening phone calls, texts and emails; or showing up in-person at a customer’s home or business and requesting personal information or payment. These requests can include pressure for immediate payment, threats to disconnect service the same day, and demands to purchase prepaid debit cards, gift cards or bitcoin.

To help customers stay vigilant, Alectra Utilities, Elexicon Energy, Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa are reminding Ontarians to take these important steps to protect themselves against fraud:

For Residential Customers

• Double-check your bill: Only make payments for charges listed on your latest bill.
• Avoid suspicious links and verify the source: Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails claiming to offer refunds or account updates. Contact your utility directly using the official number on your bill
• Protect personal information: Do not share account details, passwords, or personal data with anyone claiming to represent your utility.
• Remain calm: Utility companies will never demand immediate payment or threaten same-day disconnection.
• Report threats: If you feel threatened contact the police.

For Business Customers

Scammers are also targeting businesses. Business owners and employees should remain cautious with these additional safeguards:

• Train your team: Ensure employees know to verify unsolicited calls or emails before sharing sensitive information.
• Avoid sharing account details: If the call wasn’t initiated by your business, don’t confirm any account or business information.
• Keep a contact list: Maintain a list of verified utility providers to help employees identify legitimate communication.

Reporting fraud
If you suspect fraud or have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and contact your utility.

National Fraud Prevention Month helps raise awareness and provide useful tips to recognize, reject, and report fraud. Ontario’s utilities want to help safeguard the privacy and security of all residential and business customers.

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Data from the CAFC shows that Canadians lost a staggering $638 million to fraud in 2024. Reported losses to the CAFC since 2021 have now surpassed $2 billion. Despite this rise in financial losses, the rate of frauds being reported remains low, with only 5% to 10% reported.

This year’s campaign will focus on impersonation fraud, one of the fastest growing forms of fraud. Impersonation fraud happens when fraudsters pretend to be trusted organizations, websites, and even another person to deceive people into their scams. This can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and other serious consequences.

The FPM campaign aims to equip Canadians with the tools to recognize, reject, and report fraud.

Every year, over 80 organizations across Canada work together to ensure that fraud prevention is top of mind for consumers and businesses. This March, Canadians can join the fight by using #FPM2025 to stay informed about the latest news on fraud.

Quotes

“Fraudsters are using sophisticated technology to create scams that feel more real than ever. It’s important for Canadians to trust their instincts and question unexpected calls or messages. The more we learn about their tactics, the less chance criminals have to defraud us.” – Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition

“Anyone, anywhere, at any time can be a victim of fraud. Some victims may feel helpless, isolated or even embarrassed, but know that if you’ve been targeted, you’re not alone. Reporting the incident is the best way to help with the fight against fraudsters and could help some one else from becoming a victim.”- Chris Lynam RCMP’s Director General of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and National Cybercrime Coordination Centre

Quick facts

• In 2024, the top three most reported types of fraud were identity fraud, service fraud, and investment fraud – all designed to get you to pay or give away sensitive information like your social insurance number, passwords or banking details. The top three frauds reported with the highest level of financial impact were investment frauds, spear phishing, and romance scams.
• In 2023, the CAFC received 108,878 reports which included at least 34,621 victims of fraud.
• The CAFC is jointly managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police.
• If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraud, contact your local police service to report the crime and also report it to the CAFC online or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. If a financial loss did not occur, still report it to the CAFC.
• If you have information about deceptive marketing practices, report it to the Competition Bureau. Your reports are essential to identify links, catch criminals, and prevent further frauds.

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In December 2024 police received a call regarding a fraud in the Town of Bancroft. A fraudster called the employee of a local business, pretending to be working on behalf the business owner. The individual had enough details to be convincing.

The fraudster had the employee take a large amount of cash, drive to Peterborough and deposit the cash into a bitcoin machine using digital QR codes sent to the victim.

The OPP and other police services have seen several other instances with a similar scheme. It can be difficult to trace and often the culprits are in another country

Although this story involves a business, police have also had similar stories with private citizens. Here are some tips of how to prevent this from happening to you:

• Caller ID, email, and websites can be altered and look legitimate
• Never assume the phone number appearing on call display is accurate
• Hang up and make an outgoing call when someone claims to be a financial institution, service provider, law enforcement, government agency or employer
• Call the company or agency directly, if you receive a text message or email
• Never click on links received via text message or email
• When visiting a website, always verify the URL and domain to make sure you are on the official website
• Legitimate businesses or government agencies will not ask you to make payments via cryptocurrency machines
•  If something does not feel right, it often is not. Trust your instincts!

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Despite free fraud support calls and educational sessions at community hubs like Collingwood’s Leisure Time Club, fraudsters continue to exploit seniors, often using tactics that lead them directly to the bank counter. According to Techie Nesters Founder & Chief Compassion Officer, Jenn Gerynowicz, the fight against fraud requires immediate intervention:

“Fraud can happen to anyone—even those equipped with knowledge about what to watch for. Stress, panic, or confusion in tough economic times make seniors especially vulnerable. Banks have the opportunity to step in as the last line of defense before their money is gone forever.”

The Last Stop Before the Scam: The Bank Counter

When fraud involves in-person cash withdrawals, the bank is often the last chance to intervene. Techie Nesters has engaged with bank managers and found some positive practices—fraud prevention pamphlets, revised teller scripts, and ATM warnings. However, much more can be done to protect seniors from devastating scams:

Signage Issues: Many banks focus counter signage on promotions like card-linking discounts rather than critical fraud warnings.

Missed Opportunities: Questions like, “Has someone sent you here to take cash to a Bitcoin machine?” are missing from in-branch messaging.

“Imagine if the signage at the bank counter directly addressed common scam tactics and talked overtly about bitcoin,” says Gerynowicz. “Instead of promoting rewards programs, they could literally save someone’s life savings by asking the right questions.”

The Hidden Burden: Financial Theft and Unfair Bank Practices

Seniors victimized by theft often face further harm from banks imposing high fees and interest rates on negative balances caused by fraud.

“Imagine having your life savings stolen, and instead of support, you’re hit with endless penalties on money you didn’t even spend,” says Gerynowicz. “These punitive fees are devastating for seniors on fixed incomes, often causing missed payments and compounding debt.”

Techie Nesters is calling on banks to waive these fees for fraud victims, implement policies that prevent further harm, and provide specialized teams to assist older adults in recovering financially after theft.

A Real-Life Example

Take the case of Mary (name changed for privacy), an older adult who recently reached out to Techie Nesters after believing she had fallen victim to a scam. Hackers had deposited a cash advance from her Visa card into her chequing account, convincing her it was an accidental overpayment. She was instructed to withdraw the funds in cash and repay them via a Bitcoin machine at a local convenience store. Despite having a small balance, the scammers manipulated her into withdrawing $3,000, an amount far beyond her typical activity.

Mary shared, “I was very disappointed by my bank’s lack of interest or cooperation. I have been with them for over six decades and was treated with a lack of respect—even to the point of hanging up on Techie Nesters who I authorized to speak for me while I was crying and panicking about the loss of money. The bank should have flagged that I’m not in the habit of taking cash advances. They didn’t ask me why I was withdrawing such a large amount in cash, and when I was told by the scammers to say it was for Christmas presents, no one questioned it. So many opportunities to stop this scam were missed.”

When Techie Nesters attempted to advocate for Mary with her bank, the institution refused to cooperate, leaving her to pay interest on the cash advance. Adding insult to injury, Mary found herself unable to transfer funds between her Visa and chequing accounts to cover overdraft fees—a process the scammers had completed without her knowledge or approval.

Mary added, “The bank needs people who are supportive, patient, and equipped to deal with seniors who have been scammed. They need to explain the steps they will take to help, instead of treating compassionate companies like Techie Nesters, who are there to assist, with such disregard.”

Techie Nesters’ Call to Action for Banks

The need for banks to act is now, especially during the holiday season, when scams targeting seniors tend to increase. Techie Nesters is urging banks across Canada to adopt these straightforward measures to protect seniors:

1. Fraud Alert Signage:

Place visible, direct signs at bank counters and ATMs asking questions like:

• “Are you here today because someone told you to take out cash?”
• “Are you being asked to send money to a Bitcoin machine?”
• “Did someone instruct you to say the money is for Christmas presents or Home Improvements?”

2. Branch-Level and Nationwide Advertising Campaigns:

Launch bold campaigns with clear messaging:

• “Bitcoin payments? It’s a scam.”
• “Gift cards are common fraud cards.”
• “Pause. Think. Protect your money.”

3. Dedicated Customer Service Representatives in Line-Ups:

Assign trained fraud prevention reps to engage with customers in line. Casual conversations can flag potential scams before the transaction occurs.

Techie Nesters: Immediate Support for Older Adults

Techie Nesters offers free calls for older adults unsure about suspicious online requests, emails, or phone calls at 1-833-613-N-E-S-T (6378). Their community education sessions empower seniors and their families to recognize red flags before it’s too late.

“We meet older adults where they are, both online and in person, but we can’t fight this battle alone,” says Gerynowicz. “We need banks to step up in this fight.”

Join the Movement This Christmas

Techie Nesters believes Canada’s banks can make a monumental difference by implementing these simple measures, especially since the holiday season is a time when seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams. Together, we can protect Canada’s older adults from fraud and ensure they are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.

For more information about Techie Nesters and their work to help older adults age well, visit www.techienesters.com.

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On December 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. police received a call from the victim of a fraud who described that they received a call from a phone number that they recognized as their bank and the person told her that her credit and debit cards had been compromised and they were sending a courier to pick up her cards. A short time later, a person arrived at the victims home and collected the cards. The victim became uneasy with this process and was able to lock her accounts and report the incident to her bank and police, her quick thinking prevented anyone from accessing her funds.

As members of the public become more informed and educated about online transactions, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. Police are strongly recommending that people slow the process down and second check and verify all information that they receive.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is Canada’s national, joint force anti-fraud repository whose mandate includes gathering intelligence on all types of frauds and analyzing the data that helps guide police investigations. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also provides education and awareness on fraud prevention, to become educated on the many different types of fraud that may affect you, please visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

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There has been an increase in fraud reports on Facebook, particularly through Facebook Marketplace and Messenger. A common trend involves hacked Facebook accounts, making it seem like friends are selling concert tickets or other items. However, their profiles have been hacked by scammers exploiting the trust between you and your friends. The OPP advises the public to verify these transactions by contacting the person directly outside of Facebook or arranging to meet them in person.

Be aware of warning signs:

• The price is suspiciously low compared to typical prices, seeming too good to be true
• The seller requests payment via e-transfer
• The messages consistently contain grammatical errors
• Listings are being posted for sale in Facebook groups

To avoid becoming a victim, check with another family member or trusted friend to verify the information before sending money.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim but an attempt was made, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre regardless. For more information, please visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).

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Fraudsters may ask the for the victim’s assistance in an ongoing “investigation” against criminals who compromised the victim’s accounts. They ask the victim to deposit or send funds overseas. It is not until transfers are completed that the victim realizes that their accounts had not been compromised.

Fraudsters will convince victims to send an Interac e-transfer transaction to their own cellphone number. The suspect will instruct the victim on the steps required to add themselves as a payee and to increase their daily Interac e-transfer limit to $10,000 (note that the maximum amount that a sender may send through the Interac e-transfer network may vary depending on the sender’s financial institution. Interac will automatically refuse to complete any payment by a sender above the limit established by the financial institution). The suspect provides the e-transfer question and answer that the victim must use for the transfer. Once the victim sends the Interac e-transfer transaction to their own cellphone number, suspects will ask the victim for a “code” which is the last portion of the Interac e-transfer URL/link received. If the victim provides the URL, suspects will have the ability to deposit the funds into their own account.

In some cases, suspects are able to provide some of the victim’s personal information which might include name, date of birth, phone number, address and debit card number to make the call seem legitimate.

Additionally, suspects are spoofing financial institution phone numbers or are providing fraudulent call-back phone numbers which impersonate the financial institution.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), bank investigator frauds represented $10.2 million in reported losses in 2023. Ontario victims reported losing more than $5.4 million. It is estimated that only five to 10 per cent of victims report frauds to the CAFC or law enforcement.

Warning Signs – How to Protect Yourself

·        Financial institutions or online merchants will never request you to transfer funds to an external account.

·        If you get a call claiming to be from your financial institution, advise the caller that you will call them back. End the call and dial the number on the back of your bank or credit card from a different phone if possible or wait 10 minutes before making the outgoing call.

·        Fraudsters use call-spoofing technology to mislead victims. Do not assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display are accurate.

·        Never provide remote access to your computer or smart phone.

If you or someone you know suspect they have been a victim of fraud, report it to your local police service and to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

·        CAFC X and Facebook

·        OPP X, Facebook, and Instagram

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