Ontario Provincial Police say an emerging police impersonation scam is costing some victims thousands of dollars. Authorities say suspects pose as police officers, claim bank cards have been compromised, and arrange to collect the cards directly from victims’ homes.

Ontario Provincial Police are warning the public about an emerging police impersonation scam that has already led to arrests and significant financial losses for some victims.

According to police, the scheme involves fraudsters pretending to be police officers and telling victims that their bank cards have been compromised. Victims are then instructed to hand over their cards to someone who will come to their home under the guise of securing them. In at least one reported case, the cards were later used to withdraw money.

Police say the scam was recently reported at a home in Hawkesbury. Investigators say the victim received a call from someone posing as a police officer and was told their cards were at risk. A woman later arrived at the victim’s residence in a vehicle with two men, and the victim later discovered unauthorized withdrawals had been made.

Provincial police say three suspects were arrested in Clarence-Rockland in connection with the investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether those same individuals are responsible for similar frauds reported in Ottawa.

Officials say the scam is designed to build trust by using the name of real officers and by creating a sense of urgency. Ottawa Police Service financial crimes unit Sgt. Cameron Graham said his own name has been used in scripts intended to make the fraud appear legitimate.

Police in other communities, including Kingston and Gatineau, have also warned about similar fraud attempts. In Gatineau, police reportedly opened dozens of cases involving fake police calls, with seniors often among those targeted.

Fraud prevention advocates are urging the public to slow down and verify any unexpected call involving money, bank cards, or urgent instructions. Authorities say people should stop, check the information independently, and speak to someone they trust before taking action.

Provincial police say the investigation is continuing.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.