Kingston Police Warn Residents of Ongoing “Fake Bank Investigator” Scams

October 1, 2026

Kingston Police continue to receive reports of fraudsters posing as bank investigators, fraud department employees, or security staff from financial institutions.

Victims are often told there has been suspicious activity on their accounts and are directed to assist with an investigation by providing personal information, online banking credentials, or verification codes. In some cases, victims are convinced to surrender their bank cards, purchase gift cards, withdraw and mail cash, purchase gold or other precious metals, send e-transfers, or deposit money into cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) ATMs.

Remember: Financial institutions will never ask customers to provide passwords or verification codes, surrender bank cards, purchase gift cards or gold, mail cash, send e-transfers, or deposit funds into a Bitcoin ATM as part of an investigation.

• Never provide passwords or verification codes over the phone
• Do not click suspicious links in texts or emails
• Never install software at the request of an unsolicited caller
• Hang up and contact your bank directly

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this type of scam in the Kingston area is encouraged to report the incident to the Kingston Police. Reports can made online at www.kingstonpolice.ca or by calling 613-549-4660 ext. “0”.