Police Warn Of Impersonation Scams
Source: Kingston Police ServiceDate: Wed Apr 22 08:04:45 MST 2026
The Kingston Police are warning the public of an on going telephone and internet scam in which individuals impersonate Bell Canada employees.
In these incidents, victims are contacted by individuals claiming to be employees of Bell Canada. The victim is then advised that a billing error, refund issue, or account security breach has occurred. Victims are instructed to install remote access software on their computers, allowing the individuals to gain control of their device and access online banking information.
Once access is obtained, victims are misled into believing they must return funds due to an alleged error. In many of these cases victims are directed to send money via wire transfer to accounts outside of Canada. The victims are also directed to provide false information to their financial institutions regarding the purpose of the transfer.
Police are reminding residents that legitimate companies, such as Bell, never request refunds or payments through wire transfers nor do they require remote access to personal devices.
Residents should be aware of the folllowing warning signs:
Unsolicited contact claiming urgent account issues or billing errors
Requests to install remote access software
Instructions to send money via wire transfer, especially internationally
Pressure to keep the transaction secret or mislead financial institutions
Residents should take the following precautions in order to avoid falling victim to these types of scams:
Stop and verify any unexpected request through official company contact information
Never grant remote access to your computer to unknown individuals
Do not send money via wire transfer based on unsolicited instructions
Consult a trusted family member, friend, or financial institution if unsure
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COBOURG (April 23, 2026) – Cobourg Police Service is reminding the public to be aware of fraud involving gift cards and impersonation on social media platforms, following a recent incident in which a resident was targeted through an online group. In the most recent scam, a 71-year-old woman reported being contacted on social media by an individual claiming to be associated with a television show after she commented on a fan page for the program. The scammer offered a “VIP membership” in exchange for payment through gift card codes. The victim was defrauded out of $1,200. The victim was later contacted again and advised she could attend the TV set if she deposited the cheque, they sent into her bank account and forwarded the funds. When she attended her financial institution, bank staff recognized the signs of a scam and intervened. The victim had no verifiable contact information for the individual, and all communication occurred exclusively through social media. Cobourg Police Service is reminding residents that legitimate organizations and businesses will never request payment in gift cards, nor will they ask individuals to deposit cheques on their behalf. Be cautious of unsolicited messages on social media, even if they appear to come from well-known individuals, celebrities, or organizations Scammers commonly use gift cards or cryptocurrency because they are difficult to trace and cannot be recovered Never send money, gift card codes, or cryptocurrency to someone you have only interacted with online Do not deposit cheques or forward funds at the request of someone else If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or financial institution before sending money Fraudsters rely on pressure and secrecy. Police encourage residents to slow down, ask questions, and report suspicious activity. Anyone who believes they may be the target of a scam, or who has received suspicious online communications, is encouraged to contact Cobourg Police Service or report the incident to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre at 1‑888‑495‑8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
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