The Winnipeg Police Service’s Financial Crime Unit has received a number of reports regarding a new credit card phone scam. Here's how the scam works:
Victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank, alerting that your credit card or debit card has been compromised.
Caller ID often shows a real bank's phone number, made possible by specialized software.
The scammer instructs to cut up the card, leaving the chip intact, and to put all the pieces in an envelope for a courier to pick up.
Once fraudsters have the card pieces and chip, victims quickly notice unauthorized spending on their accounts.
If you get an unsolicited call claiming to be from your bank, just hang up! Call the number on the back of your card or your bank’s official website to confirm. Banks will never have someone attend your home to collect your cards.
Quick tips:
Just hang up — Never use the phone number the caller gives you; call the number on your card instead.
Don’t follow pickup instructions — Refuse to cut a card for courier pickup; this is a red flag.
Destroy the chip — If you must disable a card, cut through the chip, not just the plastic.
Protect your info — Never share full account numbers, PINs, or one‑time codes over unsolicited calls.
Report fraud immediately:
Contact your bank
Report online or call police non-emergency line 204-986-6222
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501)
If you’re unsure or feel pressured during a call, end it and verify independently — quick caution can prevent big losses.