Fake bank call leads to fraud loss for two Barrie seniors

Barrie police are warning residents after a courier-style fraud in the city's south end that left two seniors out about a thousand dollars.

On Thursday, police say the victims got a phone call from someone pretending to be a bank security employee, claiming their credit cards had been compromised. They were told to seal the cards in an envelope for pickup, and a courier would attend the residence to collect them as part of an alleged investigation.

"A male suspect later attended the home and obtained both victims’ credit cards. The victims’ financial institution subsequently confirmed around $1,000 in fraudulent transactions had been made using the cards," police said in a news release.

The suspect is described as Black, 20 to 30 years old, about six feet tall with a slim build, wearing an orange reflective vest. He's believed to have left in a small light-grey vehicle.

Police worry seniors may be targeted, due to their age and vulnerability, noting a rise in similar scams locally.

In the news release, police urged people to remind older family members and neighbours to verify unsolicited calls - and never hand over banking cards or PIN information.

"Investigators stress banks will never send a courier to pick up cards. Anyone with information, or who believes they’ve been targeted, is asked to contact Barrie police or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre," according to the news release.

Police believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.

Anyone with information related to this incident, or who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam, is asked to contact the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025 and report it online with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.