Thunder Bay police warn of bank-related phone scam targeting city residents

Police in Thunder Bay, Ont., are warning city residents of a reported phone scam that tries to use the threat of a bad cheque to separate people from their money.

In a written release issued Tuesday, the police's economic crime division said that residents have notified police of callers claiming to be from the bank. The caller says there is a problem with a cheque, and in order to clear it, a bank draft from a money transfer institution must be sent to a provided name and address.

The callers were described as aggressive, manipulative and convincing, police said, adding that this is a scam.

Police advised that banking or financial information should never be given out over the phone or online. Concerns over any suspicious calls or emails should be addressed by going in-person to the bank or financial institution or calling them directly.

People can always hang up the phone, turn off the computer or close the door if they feel they're dealing with a scammer, police said.