OPP warns of rising police-impersonation scam targeting residents

Scammers rely on urgency, intimidation, and fear — often threatening arrest or legal consequences — to force quick compliance.

The Ontario Provincial Police is warning residents across the region about a growing scam in which fraudsters pose as police officers to steal large sums of money.

Investigators say suspects are contacting victims by phone, claiming to be OPP officers. In some cases, scammers use the names of real officers, while others invent names, titles, and badge numbers to appear legitimate.

Victims are pressured to withdraw large amounts of cash and either transfer the money through cryptocurrency platforms or hand it over directly. Police say losses in recent cases range from six thousand to thirteen thousand dollars.

The OPP says scammers rely on urgency, intimidation, and fear — often threatening arrest or legal consequences — to force quick compliance.

Police remind residents that officers will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone, and will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from police is encouraged to pause, speak with a trusted friend or family member, and verify the call.

Residents can contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 to confirm whether an officer attempted to reach them or to report suspected fraud.

Victims are also encouraged to report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.