An Ontario woman is sharing her story after she fell victim to a “bank investigator” scam and lost $56,000.
In June, Carrie Watrich of Barrie says that she received a phone call from someone she believed to be a Scotiabank representative.
During the call, one person told her that someone was trying to fraudulently use her credit card in Manitoba and that she would need to click a link to protect her money from being stolen.
“What’s your phone number? I’m going to send you a link, and this will ensure your protection, and nothing will happen. I said, ‘Okay, great, thanks,’ and I clicked on the link,” Watrich recounted in an interview with CTV News.
Not long after, Watrich checked her banking information. She then saw that the scammers had stolen approximately $56,000 from various accounts and lines of credit.
“I was sick, I was shaking. I couldn’t speak,” Watrich told CTV News.
She said she became more concerned when she was told the money would not be refunded because she had let the scammers into her accounts.
Bank gets money back
Eventually Scotiabank did, however, recover her money.
In a statement to CTV News, Scotiabank said that protecting their clients is “a top priority.”
“While we cannot comment on individual client matters, we take all reports of fraud seriously, and each case is carefully reviewed. We invest heavily in prevention, detection, and client education to help Canadians recognize and avoid scams,” the representative said.
“Clients are encouraged to always practice safe banking habits while doing their part to help recognize, reject, and report fraud.”
“Clients should never rely on the number displayed on their phone to determine whether a call is legitimate,” the representative added.
Ritesh Kotak, a cybersecurity expert, said in an interview with CTV News that if you receive a call from a possible scammer, it’s best to hang up and call a trusted bank representative.
“Say ‘Thank you’ and hang up and call the number on the back of your credit card. Even if it is the same number on your credit card, you should know these numbers can be spoofed,” Kotak said.
“Never give these codes or access to anybody.”
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Farah Chandani
