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I would like to welcome you to the Port Hope Police Service's website. Here you will find links and other information such as our services to the public, crime prevention and our latest press releases to assist us to stay connected to our residents and visitors alike.
Our police officers and civilian support staff are very proud to provide excellent community-based policing services to this great Municipality. We work hard every day to ensure the safety and quality of day-to-day life expected by the citizens of Port Hope.
Media Release March 7, 2025
Warning: Email Scams Targeting Residents
Port Hope Police Service is warning residents about a recent email scam targeting individuals in our community. A local resident was nearly defrauded after receiving a phishing email impersonating Norton Antivirus.
The email appeared legitimate and claimed that $700 would be withdrawn from their account for an updated virus protection plan. It provided a phone number to call if the recipient believed the charge was incorrect. Upon calling, the individual was kept on the line and pressured into providing the last four digits of their chequing account number. The scammer later claimed that $6,000 had been mistakenly deposited into the victim’s account instead of the $700 charge.
In reality, the fraudsters had simply transferred $6,000 from the victim’s linked account, making it seem like an accidental deposit. Their goal was to convince the victim to return the funds, ultimately stealing their own money.
Fortunately, the resident recognized the scam before sending any money and immediately contacted their bank. Banking officials secured their accounts and changed their banking details, preventing any financial loss.
Following the incident, the victim received multiple calls from foreign numbers, likely attempting to pressure them into completing the scam. The victim blocked, reported, and deleted the numbers, and the calls eventually stopped.
Port Hope Police urge residents to remain vigilant against similar scams and follow these precautions:
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Do not trust unsolicited emails or calls claiming to be from financial institutions or service providers.
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Never share personal or banking information over the phone or via email.
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Verify claims directly by contacting the company through official channels.
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Monitor your bank accounts regularly for any unusual activity.
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Report scams immediately to your bank and local authorities.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, please contact Port Hope Police Service at 905-885-8123 or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Stay alert and protect yourself from fraudsters.
Anyone with information on a crime are asked to contact Port Hope Police at 905-885-8123 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
