Woodstock Police briefs

Deputy Chief Nick Novacich (far left) recently received a Bar to the Police Exemplary Service Medal from outgoing WPS Chief Rod Wilkinson, honouring 30 years of commitment to policing and community safety. Constable Rusnak (far right) was awarded the Police Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service. (Woodstock Police Service Photos).

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Police warning about bank card fraud

Woodstock Police are warning the public about an alarming rise in bank card pickup scams targeting community members. In recent days, multiple residents, including seniors, have lost tens of thousands of dollars to fraudsters using this method.

How the scam works:

• Victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank.

• The caller ID often shows the real bank’s number.

• Victims are told their card has been compromised. The scammer instructs them to cut up their cards but leave the chip/tap area intact, place them in an envelope, and hand them to a courier or leave them for pickup.

• Once fraudsters have the card and chip, they drain accounts or run up charges.

Recent incidents in Woodstock have led to victims reporting losses ranging from $5,000 to over $40,000.

“Suspects have posed as couriers and attended victims’ homes or apartment lobbies to collect envelopes of cards,” said a police press release. “Scammers used names, reference numbers, and even fake IT issues to sound legitimate.”

Police say banks will never send a courier to collect your cards, never ask you to cut up a card but leave the chip intact, nor will they ask for your PIN, passwords, or one-time codes by phone.

“If you get a call like this, hang up immediately and call your bank using the official number on the back of your card (not the number provided by the caller). If you’ve already handed over cards or information, contact your bank and then report the incident to police,” added the release,

Police are asking Echo readers to share this message with family, friends, and neighbours, especially seniors, who are being heavily targeted.

“Together we can prevent further victimization.”

If you believe you have been targeted or defrauded, contact Woodstock Police Service at 519-537-2323 and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.