Two GTA residents are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a sophisticated scam involving suspects posing as bank employees. Durham Regional Police say at least 41 victims have come forward so far, reporting combined losses of more than $200,000.
In Pickering, Maralyn Smearage received a call from someone who appeared to be phoning from her bank’s official number. The caller knew her accounts and personal details, convincing her that her cards had been compromised. She was told a bank representative named “Simon” would arrive the next day to pick up her cards and secure her funds. Instead, once the scammers had her cards and PIN, they drained $20,000. “I felt ashamed and embarrassed and also scared,” Smearage said. “I was saving up for new hearing aids and to move, but I guess that money is now going to have to pay this off.”
A Toronto woman, identified only as Karen, described a similar ordeal. Contacted by someone claiming to be from Scotiabank, the caller also had her personal information and account details. She too handed over her cards and PINs, and lost $20,000. “I feel sick to my stomach. I was bawling my eyes out,” she said. “I’m still in debt $20,000; that isn’t even my money. I’m not in a position to pay this back.”
Both RBC and Scotiabank declined to reverse the charges, citing client agreements that require cardholders to safeguard their information. Police say in most cases, victims will not get their money back. In one instance, an elderly couple was defrauded of $90,000.
Investigators believe the suspects are using rideshare drivers as unwitting couriers to collect the envelopes containing victims’ cards. “People are receiving phone calls that look like they are from the same number on the back of their card,” explained Det. Brad Chapman of the Financial Crimes Unit. “The victims are instructed to put the cards in an envelope, and they are told that new cards will be sent out the next day.”
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. Police stress that banks will never send someone to collect your cards, ask you to reveal your PIN, or request that you secretly help with a fraud investigation. Even if told to cut up your card, scammers can reassemble it—the chip alone is enough to commit fraud.