Hamilton police say fake bank callers are telling people their accounts are at risk, and older adults are the main target. Here is what to know.
Hamilton police are warning about phone scammers who pretend to be a bank. The caller says your account has been compromised, then pressures you to hand over cards, PINs or account details. Detectives received multiple reports in the past week.
Police shared the warning in a social media post Tuesday. It came from the financial crimes and crimes against older adult unit. The scam starts with a call that sounds urgent and official, and the fear of losing money is the hook.
One detail stands out. Police say real banks will not send a courier to collect your bank cards or PIN. Anyone who claims otherwise should be treated with suspicion.
A caller who knows your details is not proof of anything. Police say that information can come from a data breach, mail theft or other illicit means. Knowing your name or address does not make someone your bank.
The warning is for bank customers in Hamilton, especially older adults. Police ask residents to share it with loved ones, especially older family members. A short conversation with a parent or grandparent could stop a loss.
The steps to take are in the alert box above. The short version is to hang up and reach your bank through a number you can verify, or visit a branch.
Some things are not yet known. The report does not say how many people lost money, how much, or whether the calls are spreading beyond Hamilton.
If a caller says your account is at risk, hang up and call your bank on a number you trust, then warn older relatives.
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