Ottawa police have launched a public appeal for assistance in identifying multiple individuals connected to a series of sophisticated bank investigator scams that targeted residents over a six-month period.
Six-Month Fraud Spree
The fraudulent activities took place between April and September 2025, with perpetrators posing as bank investigators to deceive victims. Ottawa Police Service released photographic evidence of the suspects and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
How the Scams Operated
In these bank investigator scams, criminals typically contact potential victims while pretending to be bank security officials or fraud investigators. They often claim the victim's account has been compromised and request personal information, banking details, or even direct financial transfers to "secure" accounts.
The Ottawa Police Service has not disclosed the exact number of victims or the total financial losses suffered during this period, but confirmed that multiple incidents have been reported across the city.
Public Assistance Crucial
Police emphasize that public cooperation is essential in identifying these suspects and preventing further victimization. Investigators are asking residents to carefully review the released images and contact authorities with any relevant information.
This appeal comes as financial crimes continue to evolve in sophistication, with scammers increasingly using convincing narratives and false credentials to exploit trust in financial institutions.
The Ottawa Police Service financial crimes unit is leading the investigation and has assured that all information provided by the public will be treated confidentially.