Though victims were located across Canada, the majority of the targeted individuals live in Ontario, with an age range of 46 to 95 years old. All of the victims were provided supports and fraud prevention material. 

As a result of the investigation, 14 individuals were arrested and 56 charges were laid. 

Project Sharp is a JFO led by the OPP and involves support from the Sûreté Du Québec, Hamilton Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, York Regional Police, Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Durham Regional Police Service, Ottawa Police Service, Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal, Service de Police de Laval, and Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. Additional assistance was provided by United States Homeland Security Investigations, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of the emergency grandparent scam or any fraud is urged to contact their local police, Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) . 

You can also report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. 

For resources on scams and fraud, visit https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/

Hamilton Police Service will be holding information sessions in the month of June, Seniors Month.

Hamilton Police are warning the public of an investment scam involving cryptocurrency that is targeting Hamiltonians. While this fraud has been around for a while there has been a surge recently of victims, as awareness in the public of digital currencies and the possibilities grow.

Over the past few months, the Hamilton Police Fraud Unit has investigated a number of investment scams centered around cryptocurrency. Victims in these incidents have suffered significant financial losses. 

In this scam, a seemingly authentic advertisement appears while you're on YouTube or other social media platforms. This ad falsely presents itself as a legitimate media announcement, claiming that Elon Musk has launched a block chain trading platform called Quantum AI or a similar variation. It promises that by investing just $250, you can earn $100,000 in a single month.

Upon clicking a link, the victim is directed to a counterfeit CBC or news website featuring fictitious articles. While reading the article, the victim is coerced into expressing their interest in receiving a call regarding investment opportunities.

Subsequently, the perpetrators contact the victim to establish remote access to the victim's computer, create a block chain wallet, and transfer the victim's funds into it. The bogus website then depicts the victim as earning money, while, in reality, the suspects have moved the funds to another country.

Soon the victims are out thousands of dollars, eventually coming to the realization they are the victim of a scam.

Several months later, the victim receives a call from an individual claiming to work for a recovery company, asserting that they have located the victim's lost bitcoin. The victim is coerced into making further payments, perpetuating the scam with the hope of eventually recouping their funds by covering supposed fees.

Avoid becoming a victim of these fraudulent schemes. We strongly advise the public to exercise vigilance and prudence when contemplating cryptocurrency investments and to verify the authenticity of investment opportunities. It is essential to consult with financial experts and conduct comprehensive research before making any financial decisions.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to an investment scam:

• Never allow anyone remote access to your computer: Often the suspects will ask you to install programs like Anydesk or Teamviewer that facilitate this.
• Research Thoroughly: Before investing, thoroughly research the investment opportunity and the company or individual offering it. Look for reviews, news articles, and any red flags associated with the investment.
• Verify Credentials: Check the credentials and licenses of the person or company offering the investment. Make sure they are registered with relevant regulatory authorities. Go to CSA | ACVM (aretheyregistered.ca) to check.
• Be Skeptical of High Returns: Be cautious of investments that promise unusually high returns with little or no risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Avoid Pressure Sales Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics to force you into making quick decisions. Take your time to evaluate the investment.
• Don't Share Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information, especially if you're contacted out of the blue.
• Watch for Red Flags: Be alert to common warning signs, such as unsolicited offers, unprofessional communication, and vague or secretive investment details.
• Use Secure and Reputable Platforms: If you're investing in cryptocurrency, use reputable cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets. Beware of fake or phishing websites.
• Don't Send Money to Unknown Parties: Never send money to an unknown person or entity without thoroughly verifying their legitimacy.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any significant investments.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right or if you have doubts about an investment, trust your instincts and walk away.
• Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect you've encountered an investment scam, report it to your local authorities or regulatory agencies. You can also report it to organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission.

Remember that being cautious and conducting due diligence can go a long way in protecting your financial well-being and avoiding investment scams.

If you have been a victim of a cryptocurrency investment scam and suffered a financial loss, please report the incident online at https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/report-crime/online-reporting or call our non-emergency number at 905-546-4925.

If you were contacted about this type of scam but did not experience a financial loss, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

For more information about scams and frauds, including cryptocurrency investment scams, in a variety of languages, please visit: 

www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/04333.html

www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, a fake story in which the Hamilton Police entered into a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force was sent out to media outlets.

The story was then published and quickly gained attention locally and internationally.

Hamilton Police can confirm this investigation did not occur and the email did not originate from the Hamilton Police Service.

The Hamilton Police are investigating into the email source that created and sent out this information. 

Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence. Hamilton Police recognize the public’s trust in the police is very important and incidents like this can cause the community to second guess police communication.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Technology Crime Unit by calling 905-546-4793.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Hamilton Police continue to see an increase in reports relating to text message and email related scams.

The Financial Crimes Unit would like to inform the public about a scam involving unsolicited text messages or emails from “Amazon”. The message will ask you to confirm a product you did not order, advise there is a problem with your account or offer a refund. The message will direct you to click on a link or call a phone number provided.  Victims are then asked to send money, asked for bank account information or give over control of their computers.  Victims then suffer a monetary loss.

From Amazon-
“Amazon will never send you an unsolicited message that asks you to provide sensitive personal information like your social insurance number, tax ID, bank account number, credit card information, ID questions like your mother's maiden name or your password. Amazon will never ask you to make a payment outside of our website and will never ask you for remote access to your device.”

While some departments at Amazon will make outbound calls to customers, Amazon will never ask you to disclose or verify sensitive personal information, or offer you a refund you do not expect.

The link below will provide more info about scams Amazon is trying to protect its customers from.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G4YFYCCNUSENA23B

The Financial Crimes Unit reminds people before acting to go through the following steps.

1.       STOP…scammers work on pressure. Take a moment and collect your thoughts.

2.       LOOK.. at the situation. Does this make sense? Did I order a package from Amazon? Go to the Amazon site and confirm the information yourself.

3.       LISTEN…Listen to your inner voice telling you something does not make sense or this is too good to be true.

Hamilton Police would like to encourages anyone who may have been a victim of this scam to report these incidents to the police by using our online reporting tool at https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/report-crime/online-reporting or calling 905-546-4925.

Under this scam, the victim receives a call from a fraudster posing as a grandchild or other family member. The fraudster claims they have been arrested and need bail money or financial help in an emergency.

The fraudster will ask the victim not to call other family as they do not want anyone to find out.  Often, the fraudster will turn the phone over to another person, who will claim to be a lawyer or law enforcement official. The victim is then told to send money to a bank account or via courier to an address.

The Hamilton Police provides the following advice should you receive such a call:

•      Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action.

•      No law enforcement agency will demand immediate payment of currency.

•      Never offer information to the caller.

•      If the fraudster asks a question like "Do you know who this is?”, simply say no and have them tell you.

•      Contact another family member to confirm the story.

•      Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.

•      Don't be afraid to say "No".

Hamilton Police will be offering information sessions to the community to help educate on these types of frauds and what to be aware of.  There will be victims bravely speaking of their experience in hopes to prevent this type of crime happening to them. If you have a loved one or someone who may be vulnerable to this type of fraud please have them attend or attend on their behalf and pass the information on to them.  Lets work together to help prevent this type of crime.

If you believe you have fallen victim to such a scam, please contact the Hamilton Police non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

More Resources

Cyber Crime, Computer and Internet Safety – provides information regarding online frauds and crimes.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – provides more advice on scams and frauds and current types of frauds.

Competition Bureau's Information Centre – provides information regarding laws businesses must follow.

Office of Consumer Affairs – provides information about common scams that occur in your own province or territory.

On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, the victim, a 94-year-old man of Hamilton, began receiving phone calls from a male impersonating an RCMP police officer. The victim was told that his grandson was arrested for having a large quantity of drugs in his vehicle and was in police custody. The scammer then demanded the victim pay a $120,000 bond to release his grandson.

Another male, posing as the victim’s grandson, came on the phone franticly pleading with the victim to pay the bond, so that he could be released from police custody. Worried about his grandson, the victim agreed to pay a portion of the demanded bond money, as it was all he had at the time.

The monetary losses sustained were minimized by the financial institution that stepped in when the victim attempted to obtain money from their account.

Later that same day, a female playing the role of a court courier, attended the victim’s residence and collected the money. The victim was advised there was a court imposed ‘gag order’, and he was not permitted to notify anyone of what happened or his grandson would remain in prison.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, the victim received more phone calls from the suspects demanding the remainder of the bond money. The suspects directed the victim to place the money in an envelope at an undisclosed location. At this point, the victim became suspicious and notified the Hamilton Police Service

 Hamilton Police have arrested two males for the following charges:

Police are seeking at least one additional suspect, believed to be a female, for their involvement in this crime.

The public is reminded that it is not the practice of any police service to collect money for court purposes.

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with the investigation into this crime, you are asked to contact Detective Angela Abrams at 905-546-4603 or Staff Sergeant Oliver Mann 905-546-3841 of the Hamilton Police Financial Crimes Unit.  

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

The scam begins after the victim receives a call from a person posing as their grandchild or other family member who claims they have been arrested and need bail money or emergency financial help.

“Fraudsters” will ask the victim to keep the call private and not alert other family members about the fake situation. In some instances, the fraudster will even pass the phone to an accomplice pretending to be a lawyer or law enforcement official.

On Thursday, August 5, 2022, the Hamilton Police commenced investigations into four separate incidents of the defrauding of seniors in Hamilton. It is believed that the same suspect(s) are involved in these crimes due to the similarity in details.                                              

Police are reminding citizens to be cautious of suspicious phone calls. If you receive a call that one of your family members are in trouble and need bail money, please contact the police. Never provide personal information over the telephone, text or email. The police will never request payment by money, service business, iTunes/Google Pay, Credit gift cards or bitcoins.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into these crimes, you are asked to contact Crimes Against Seniors Unit, Detective Sergeant Michelle Wiley by calling 905-540-6375.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com 

On Thursday, February 3, 2022, a 77-year-old female victim received a call from a male believed to be her son, informing her that he had been involved in an accident and been arrested by police. The suspect went on to tell the victim that her son would be released on bail for a large sum of cash.

Victim agreed to pay the cost to release her son and arrangements were made to pick up the cash at the victim’s residence.  

The suspect contacted the victim again, where she was told that additional money was required and arrangements were made for the accused to attend her residence on Monday, February 7, 2022.

Hamilton Police became aware of this scam and intervened when the accused attended the victim’s residence.

Police arrested a 19-year-old male from Quebec.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Detective Constable Phil Poirier of the Crimes Against Seniors Unit by calling 905-540-5300.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

The Hamilton Police Service provides the following advice should you receive such a call:

• Be suspicious of calls that demand money or immediate action.
• No law enforcement agency will demand immediate payment of currency.
• Never offer information to the caller.
• If the fraudster asks a question like "Do you know who this is?”, simply say no and have them tell you.
• Contact another family member to confirm the story.
• Remember to never send money to someone under uncertain conditions.
• Don't be afraid to say "No".

If you believe you have fallen victim to such a scam, please contact the Hamilton Police non-emergency line at 905-546-4925.

More Resources

Cyber Crime, Computer and Internet Safety – provides information regarding online frauds and crimes.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – provides more advice on scams and frauds and current types of frauds.

Competition Bureau's Information Centre – provides information regarding laws businesses must follow.

Office of Consumer Affairs – provides information about common scams that occur in your own province or territory.

The Hamilton Police Service is warning the community, especially vulnerable seniors to be aware of the "bank investigator scam". It has recently victimized residents of Hamilton.

Suspect(s) in this scam contact an individual by phone advising they are an investigator from a financial institution and that there is a problem with their account. They then state that it requires immediate action or they will incur further loss.

The victim is instructed to go to their financial institution and withdraw cash, then told to purchase large amounts of gift cards or place money into a virtual currency ATM.

They are further directed to provide the numbers on the back of the gift cards to the "bank investigator". Once the numbers are provided, the gift cards cannot be returned and the victim is at a financial loss.

Hamilton Police remind the public of the following:

• Be alert when dealing with your financial matters
• Always question urgent requests for money or gift cards
• A financial institution will never ask you to pay for anything in gift cards or virtual currency
• A financial institution will never use their clients in any internal investigation or quality control audit
•  If you are in doubt, contact your financial institution from a number listed on a previous statement, never use the number provided by the caller

Hamilton Police would like to remind retailers of the following:

• Continually look for signs someone is a potential victim
• This includes the person being on their phone throughout the transaction
• Set a dollar limit on the amount of gift cards that can be sold without manager approval
• Ask the person why they are buying such a large amount of gifts cards
• Notify the police immediately if you suspect the person could be the victim of a scam

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Rob Hardy by calling 905-546-3841.

On September 11, 2020, investigators from the Crimes Against Seniors Unit (CASU) began an investigation into the defrauding of a 95-year-old Hamilton resident. The victim was instructed to send a large sum of money to an address in order to avoid being arrested. 

On October 14, 2020, Hamilton Police executed a search warrant at a Brampton address. Through continued investigation, police identified two males from the Brampton area that were involved. As well, a second 86-year-old male from British Columbia was also identified as being a victim of fraud over $5,000.00 related to the males.

The males, age 19 and 26 are scheduled to have their matter addressed at the John Sopinka Courthouse on February 9, 2021. They are both facing a charge of Fraud Under $5000 and Fraud Over $5000.

Police are reminding citizens to be cautious of suspicious phone calls. If you receive a call that you own money, call the Canada Revenue Agency. Never provide personal information over the telephone, text or email. The CRA or the police will never request payment by money, service business, iTunes/Google Pay, Credit gift cards or bitcoins.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Darren Murphy by calling 905-540-6375.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Over the course of several months, fraudsters in the GTA have been targeting Good Samaritans by using the ruse of coming to the aid of a taxi customer.

The scam involves two suspects and a vehicle resembling a taxi. The taxi is parked in a high traffic area. One suspect poses as the taxi driver and the other suspect poses as a customer. The two pretend to have a loud argument and the taxi driver refuses to take the customer’s cash payment due to Covid-19. A Good Samaritan who is walking by is then approached and asked to help by letting the taxi customer use their debit card to pay for the cab fare in exchange for cash. As the victim inputs their PIN number into the modified Point of Sale terminal, it records their card data and PIN number. Once the transaction clears, the victim is given another bank card, resembling their own. The suspects, who now have the victim’s actual debit card, use the PIN number to process fraudulent transactions. For their assistance, the victim is usually given a $10 bill.

The following tips are provided to lessen the likelihood of being a victim of a point of sale scam:

• Do not give your card to anyone
• Do not return a point of sale terminal with your card still inserted
• Do not make a payment for an unknown person using your personal card in exchange for cash
• Inspect your card after each transaction to ensure it is your own
• Cover your fingers when entering your PIN

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Rob Hardy by calling 905-546-3841.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Scams include the victim receiving a call from a fraudster pretending to be a government official, usually the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada. The fraudster will pressure victims into transferring money to them under fear of arrest or having bank accounts frozen. The fraudster will also ask for personal identification information.

In many instances, a recorded call will come to your phone directing you to call back immediately, or press “1” to avoid prosecution. DON’T CALL BACK - DON’T PRESS “1”. No official administrative center will ever contact you through a text, use high-pressure tactics, be disrespectful, or require you to pay any money through gift cards or using Bitcoins. No government agency will ever ask for payment in Bitcoin, but scammers will. If you hear the word Bitcoin, hang up the phone. 

Another scam involves the fraudster pretending to be an investigator with a financial institution and seeks the victim's help with an investigation. The victim will be directed to purchase gift cards or transfer money from their account. No financial institution will request a member of the public to perform such activities.

The Hamilton Police Service reminds the public the best way to fight fraud is to be aware and not become a victim. If you are unsure about a situation, stop and take a moment. Fraudsters use pressure as a tactic. Look at the situation and ask yourself if this is something that would really happen. Listen to those around you, including store employees, who may try to stop you. If they think you are falling victim to fraud, you probably are a victim.

If you have information about a fraud investigation contact the Hamilton Police Service at (905)546-4925 or email the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre @ www.antifraudcentre.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.

The Hamilton Police Major Fraud Unit continues to see a rise in people becoming victims of online fraud. Frequent reoccurring scams involve criminals pretending to be government officials seeking money for taxes or immigration fees. These scammers will direct victims to “pay their fines” using gift cards and increasingly the use of Bitcoin Machines. The criminals will keep you on the phone so that you can’t call anyone or ask for help.

Recently there has been an increase in calls purporting the unauthorized use of your Social Insurance Number. In many instances, a recorded call will come to your phone directing you to call back immediately, or press “1” to avoid prosecution. DON’T CALL BACK - DON’T PRESS “1”. No official administrative center will ever contact you through a text, use high-pressure tactics, be disrespectful, or require you to pay any money through gift cards or using Bitcoins. NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY WILL EVER ASK FOR PAYMENT IN BITCOIN, BUT SCAMMERS WILL. IF YOU HEAR THE WORD BITCOIN - HANG UP!

Everyone believes they would never fall for such scams but please make sure you talk about it with your friends, family, and neighbours. Some people are more susceptible to deceptive tactics and require more help to ensure they are aware of these fraudsters.

The list of frauds and scams is large and changes every day. The easiest way of combatting this crime is by not falling victim to it. When in doubt – JUST HANG UP.

In this Business Email Compromise scam, employees of organizations responsible for finances or payments will be contacted by a high level executive requesting a rush payment for what is described as an urgent business need. The criminal can mimic all aspects of the “executives” email style and will often ask for the victim to not share the information with anyone else. Only after wiring large sums of money will the victim recognize they have been deceived. Unfortunately in many instances the money is sent abroad making it almost impossible to get the money back.

These attacks succeed because they rely on tricking employees into ignoring or bypassing basic security precautions.

Tips on protecting your business include;

• Develop, implement and test robust practices/policies that involve internal prevention techniques at all levels. No-one is immune.
• Use face-to-face or voice-to-voice communications to verify transactions. Walk into the CEO’s office or speak directly by phone. Don’t rely on e-mail alone.
• Limit what is posted on social media and company websites, especially job duties and descriptions, hierarchal information and out-of-office details.
• Employ two-factor authentication; have secondary sign-off for payments, especially significant ones.
• Be suspicious of requests for secrecy or pressure to act quickly.
• Consider registering all company domains slightly different than the company’s actual domain.

The list of frauds and scams is large and changes every day. The easiest way of combatting this crime is by not falling victim to it. FRAUD…Recognize It…Reject It…Report It.