Scam alert: LaSalle police warn of fake bank fraud calls

LaSalle police are warming residents about a current bank fraud scam that’s circulating in the area.

Police say the victim is contacted via phone by the perpetrator claiming to be from their bank’s fraud department.

The victim is told that their debit card is compromised and that it needs to be returned. They’re told a new one will be mailed to them and further instructed to place their debit card in an envelope to allow for a courier to pick it up. Shortly afterwards, an Uber driver (courier) attends the residence to pick up the envelope who will likely deliver it to the perpetrator for malicious purposes.

A bank will never have a courier attend your residence to pick anything up.

Red flags to look for when communicating with any bank or organization over the phone:

• Unsolicited phone calls
• Do not share personal information over the phone including home address.
• Instructing not to tell anyone
• Sense of urgency
• Asked to give money or pay in gift cards

If you are suspicious of the caller, hang up, and call the institution directly that’s located on the back of your bank card.

If you think you are a victim of fraud, contact your bank or the LaSalle Police Service at 519-969-5210 to report it.