Guelph bank scam leaves elderly man short thousands
Posted Mar 19, 2026 10:52:31 AM.
Last Updated Mar 19, 2026 10:53:09 AM.
Guelph Police are reminding residents in the Royal City to remain vigilant after a reported bank scam cost one resident nearly $20-thousand dollars.
It was earlier this week when Guelph police say a man in his 90s was reportedly contacted by someone he believed to be a representative of his bank. It’s alleged that the caller display showed that bank’s toll-free number.
The two engaged in a “lengthy call” that included the victim providing his personal banking information – which eventually culminated in the scammer convincing him that his debit and credit cards had been compromised, and that a courier would have to be dispatched to his address to collect them.
Those cards were actually picked up from the resident’s home a short time later by an unknown man.
The victim later noticed that his bank cards had been used to make nearly $17,000 worth of purchases in Waterloo Region, as well as $2,500 in cash withdrawals.
The investigation into the bank fraud is still ongoing – anyone with information is asked to reach out to Guelph Constable Layne Beaver at 519-824-1212, extension 7607.
Anonymous tips can also be left with Guelph Crime Stoppers.
Guelph Police have also issued a reminder for residents to be weary of any telephone call, email or text which requires immediate action.
“It is always best to independently contact the supposed sender and confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence before taking action.”
Furthermore, the service said that anyone who suspects they’ve been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report the issue to local police, and also reach out to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system – regardless of whether financial loss has been incurred or not.
