Strathcona County RCMP are warning residents about a scam in which stolen wallets are followed by calls from fraudsters posing as bank employees and requesting sensitive banking information. Strathcona County RCMP are warning residents about a scam involving stolen wallets or purses and followup calls from people impersonating bank employees to gain access to victims’ accounts.

According to an RCMP release, the scheme often begins with the theft of a wallet or purse through pickpocketing or distraction techniques in public places such as restaurants, cafés and retail stores. Police say victims may then receive a phone call from someone claiming to work in their financial institution’s fraud department.

The caller may use a spoofed phone number that appears legitimate and create a sense of urgency by claiming they are trying to protect the victim’s account, police said. Suspects may ask for PINs, passwords, verification codes or other banking information. Police say suspects may then attempt unauthorized ATM withdrawals, purchases or other fraudulent transactions. “Having your wallet stolen is stressful enough without then receiving a phone call from someone claiming they can help protect your accounts,” Const.

Cheri-Lee Smith, public information officer with Strathcona County RCMP, said in the release. “If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your financial institution directly using a trusted number or by attending in person.” RCMP are urging residents to keep wallets and purses secure and within sight in public, avoid providing PINs or passwords over the phone, and be wary of caller ID, which can be spoofed.

Police also recommend contacting a financial institution immediately if a wallet is lost or stolen, using transaction alerts to monitor activity, and regularly reviewing account statements for unauthorized transactions. Anyone who believes they have been the victim of wallet theft or fraud should contact their financial institution immediately to secure their accounts and report any unauthorized transactions.

Victims should also report the incident to police. TWilkie@postmedia.com