Latest news with #phoneScam
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Number of Montreal RBC customers defrauded in phone scams could be higher
There are reportedly more than 200 RBC customers in Montreal who were defrauded in phone scams. Bank scams are not new but what is new is just how often its happening in Montreal. Over the past several months, CTV News has been contacted by several RBC customers who fell victim to phone scams. Last July, Joyce Harper got a call — one she normally wouldn't answer. But the week before, her bank had alerted to a legitimate fraudulent charge made on her credit card so she picked up this time. It was about an e-transfer. 'I don't know something about my limit. I didn't know anything about that limit,' she recalled. She followed instructions and it appears that the person on the phone was able to intercept the money transfer. Within minutes of hanging up, she was out $2,500. 'They were so professional,' Harper said. If her story sounds familiar, that's because it is. In April, Cassandra Schafhausen shared her story of being defrauded of more than $80,000 from a fake RBC agent. In May, CTV News met Ida Pala, who lost $25,000 to a similar scheme. All three were customers of RBC and say they were refused a refund. They may just be the tip of the iceberg. The Montreal police service (SPVM), who were not available for an interview Monday, told La Presse that they've received reports from 220 RBC customers claiming they were defrauded and that the real number of victims is likely much higher. Option Consommateurs is offering legal help to some of the RBC victims who are now on the hook for money they didn't even borrow. 'Banks can very easily shift the responsibility for losses onto consumers,' said Option Consommateurs lawyer Alexandre Plourde. 'When it comes to online transfers, Interac transfers, and debit cards, there is no real legal protection for consumers against fraud.' The organization is calling on the federal government to hold banks accountable. In an email statement to CTV News, RBC says while they cannot comment on specific cases they are working with law enforcement. 'Financial crimes are increasingly sophisticated, and we collaborate with regulators, industry associations, government, and law enforcement on an ongoing basis to ensure we have robust programs designed to deter, detect and report suspicious activity in each jurisdiction where we operate. We have a team of dedicated fraud experts working 24/7 to prevent, detect and investigate fraud,' a company spokesperson added. Meanwhile, Harper says she won't pick up the phone next time. 'Listen to your gut,' she said. 'Hang up.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Stockton police warn residents of potential phone scams
( — The Stockton Police Department is warning residents about potential phone scams in the area. Police said they were made aware of potential phone scams using the department's non-emergency phone number, 209-937-8377. Scammers reportedly call about involvement in fraud. Man disappears amid attempt to walk from Northern California to the ocean 'The Stockton Police Department wants to remind all residents that we will never call or contact you to request payment of any kind,' SPD said on social media. 'If you receive such calls, it is a scam. Do not provide any personal or financial information. If you have any questions or believe you've been targeted, please contact the Stockton Police Department.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hampden County Sheriff alerts public to new dangerous phone scheme
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – In Hampden County, Sheriff Nick Cocchi is warning residents about a dangerous new phone scam. The scam is where callers falsely claim the person is a witness in a murder case and has failed to appear in court. The scammer pressures the individual to pay a fine or submit to a court-ordered DNA swab to avoid arrest or further legal trouble. Cocchi says if someone were a witness to a serious crime, they would have been contacted by the DA's office, not by someone over the phone. Scammers have also claimed you missed jury duty, owe legal fees, or have an active warrant. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Phone Scam in Falls County
Falls County, Tx (FOX 44) – A phone scam is targeting residents in Falls County. The Falls County Sheriff's Office has been informed of phone calls that show up as either the Sheriff's Office or other law enforcement agencies. The calls refer to the caller or their family members having warrants. The scammers demand money or cards and may threaten to make an arrest if the caller attempts to hang up and call local police. The Falls County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents that no law enforcement agency will ever ask for any form of payment over the phone. If you ever have a question about an officer calling about warrants, call your local law enforcement agency directly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
