Waterloo Regional Police are advising residents to remain vigilant following reports of a scam where suspects pose as bank investigators and arrange for couriers to collect bank and credit cards from victims’ homes.

In this scam, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank’s fraud or security department. The caller may use technology to make the phone number appear legitimate. Victims are told there has been suspicious activity on their account and are instructed to assist with an “investigation.”

As part of the scam, victims may be asked to confirm personal or banking information, including PIN numbers, and are told not to use their cards. In some cases, a courier is dispatched to the victim’s residence to collect debit or credit cards, often under the direction that the cards be cut or placed into an envelope. The suspects then use the cards to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.

Since April 20, 2026, Waterloo Regional Police have received more than 10 reported incidents involving this scam, resulting in combined estimated financial losses of more than $100,000. Police believe the true number of incidents may be higher, as not all frauds are reported.

Residents are reminded that banks and police will never send a courier to collect bank or credit cards and will never request PINs, passwords, or full account details.

Key warning signs include:

• Requests for secrecy or pressure to act quickly
• Instructions not to speak with family members or bank staff
• Calls that appear to come from legitimate phone numbers
• Requests to hand over bank cards or share PIN information

To protect yourself, Waterloo Regional Police advise residents to never provide personal or banking information to unsolicited callers. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using the number printed on the back of your card. Never hand over bank or credit cards to anyone and speak with a trusted family member or friend if something feels suspicious.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or has experienced unauthorized transactions is encouraged to contact their financial institution immediately and report the incident to police by calling 519‑570‑9777. If a suspect is present or there is an immediate threat, call 9‑1‑1.

Waterloo Regional Police continue to investigate these reports and encourage residents to share this information with family members and friends, particularly older adults, who are often targeted by these types of scams.

For more information on fraud prevention, visit www.wrps.on.ca or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.