Police, insurance company aware of fraud attempt
A new phone scam focused on identity fraud and financial theft is circulating in the region. The scam is highly detailed, and the perpetrators are armed with a wealth of personal knowledge they obtain from online obituaries. This tricks their victims into thinking that the calls are legitimate.
During the scam, the perpetrator calls, identifying themselves as David Jones from Sunlife Insurance, and says that the victim has been identified as a beneficiary for an unclaimed life insurance policy for a recently deceased loved one, whom they will name. They then proceed to give a list of personal details about the deceased, asking the victim to confirm that they are correct. Next, they will ask the victim to verify their identity details. To reassure the victim, they will provide them with a legitimate address for a local Sunlife office and a phone number where they can be reached.
They will then outline the steps the victim must take to receive their money, all of which appear legitimate initially. In the end, they state that the funds will be deposited directly into the victim’s bank account, and at that time, they ask the victim to please confirm their banking details.
Sunlife Insurance and Woodstock RCMP confirmed they are aware of the scam and have received numerous reports. A Sunlife representative said the fraud scheme has been reported across Canada.
Both Sunlife and Woodstock RCMP said that perpetrators consistently use the name David Jones since it matches the profile of a legitimate Sunlife Insurance employee, further confusing victims.
If you receive a call from a man claiming to be from Sunlife Insurance, hang up immediately. Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Sunlife Insurance also asks that anyone who receives a call from someone pretending to be a Sunlife representative to please call their security hotline at 1-519-888-2412.
If you were a victim of the call and at any time you gave or confirmed personal information, including but not limited to your address, phone number, birth date, or banking information, call the RCMP and file a report.
You can also protect yourself by filing a Credit Bureau Alert with Equifax (1-800-465-7166) and TransUnion (1-800-663-9980).
