NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit would like to make citizens aware of a new technology and tactic being used criminals to commit frauds.
On Nov. 6, 2019, York Regional Police received a report of a fraud which involved the suspects calling a victim and advising her she was a victim of identity theft. She was directed to google York Regional Police and call to confirm this information.
The victim did this and believed she had spoken to an officer, however, through the investigation police have determined that suspects utilized a line-trapping technology to remain connected to her phone line. When she believed she was making an outgoing call it actually reconnected back to the suspects. The victim lost a quantity of cash and the suspects obtained her personal information.
York Regional Police is reminding citizens to be extremely cautious with any calls or emails seeking your personal information. If a situation feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Do not be talked into providing personal information or payments if you feel uncomfortable or unsure. All legitimate businesses and organizations will understand your hesitation and concern in not wanting to provide information over the phone.
If you wish to confirm a call you receive do so on a delayed time line. Evidence suggests that the line-trapping technology being utilized has a time limit of several minutes.
Consider making your call from a different phone line or attend your local police station, bank or other service relevant to the call you received in person. If you have been a victim of a fraud, and have lost money, report the incident promptly to the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit either online at https://www.yrp.ca/en/online-reporting/Report-aCrime.asp or by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627.
To report frauds where no money has been lost, contact the the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
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