NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating three recent scams that took advantage of Huron County residents while using ATM machines at local banks.
Huron OPP have determined that on January 18, 2025, at least three separate incidents took place at two different banks in Exeter, (South Huron), and in the Town of Goderich.
In both incidents that occurred in Exeter, victims (aged 64 and 67) were using the bank ATM when they were "assisted" by an unknown person who appeared to be trying to help the victims. The real bank cards were swapped with fake cards during the interactions. The suspect(s) then stole money from the victims' accounts after obtaining their PIN numbers. One victim lost $900 while the other lost $1,400.
In the Goderich incident, the victim, who is 95 years of age, was using the bank ATM when their debit card showed an error on the machine and would not eject from the ATM. The victim departed the bank and later discovered that her debit card had been used to remove $1,500 from the ATM and another $2,000 in purchases at a local retail store.
Police are still investigating the frauds and are asking the public to come forward if they have any information that may assist police.
"This is a good time to remind everyone that while using bank ATM's, be mindful of who is in or around the area before using the machine. Never provide your PIN (password) digits to anyone. They may tamper with the ATM, and try to "help" you with your debit card", says Constable Craig Soldan of the Huron OPP.
Call the OPP at 1-(888)-310-1122 and report these types of frauds.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre should also be contacted with any information you might have. Call 1-(888)-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca
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