Victims lose $250,000 in ‘bank investigator' scam in Ottawa

CTV News

17-06-2025

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)
The Ottawa Police Service is looking to identify two suspects in connection to a so-called 'bank investigator' scam that has cost victims $250,000.
Police say officers with the Organized Fraud Unit continue to investigate a 'series of sophisticated frauds involving suspects posing as bank fraud investigators.' To date, victims have been defrauded of approximately $400,000.
On Tuesday, police asked for the public's help to identify two suspects believed to be responsible for 'multiple incidents' connected to the scam, with $250,000 stolen. Investigators released photos of two suspects.
Ottawa police
The Ottawa Police Service is looking to identify two suspects in connection to a "bank investigator" scam. (Ottawa Police Service/X)
Ottawa Police
Ottawa Police are asking for the public's help to identify two suspects believed to be responsible for multiple incidents involved in a "bank investigator" scam." (Ottawa Police Service/X)
Police say the fraudsters contact victims by phone, using a spoofed caller ID to impersonate banks or financial institutions.
'Posing as bank investigators, they claim the victim's accounts have been compromised,' police said.
According to police, once trust is established with the victim, the scammers will request sensitive banking information such as PINs and passwords. Investigators say the suspects will then instruct victims to leave their bank cards in a designated location for a 'courier' to collect.
'After retrieving the cards, the scammers rapidly withdraw funds or make large purchases before the fraud is discovered,' police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service's Organized Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5492 and speak with Det. Shawn Wahbeh.