The Essex County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is warning residents to remain vigilant after a phishing scam was reported in the Town of Tecumseh.
Police say officers responded on March 4, 2026, at approximately 1:46 p.m. after receiving a report of a phishing scam.
According to police, the victim reported receiving email messages advertising investment opportunities. The messages directed the victim to a website where personal and banking information was entered. Instructions were also provided on how to send cryptocurrency.
Police say phishing involves deceptive emails, text messages or phone calls claiming to be from a legitimate organization in an attempt to trick people into providing personal or financial information, clicking harmful links or downloading attachments.
Fraudsters often impersonate trusted organizations to deceive the public, including government agencies, utility providers or telecommunications companies. Some scams may also claim a person owes fees, such as highway tolls or parking fines, even if they have not used the service or have no outstanding violations.
Authorities say these communications often mimic the logo, branding and tone of legitimate organizations and typically include a call to action designed to obtain personal information or financial gain.
The public is encouraged to be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls, and to avoid responding to suspicious communications or clicking links and attachments from unknown sources.
Police also encourage residents to learn more about fraud prevention by reading The Little Black Book of Scams, available online through the Competition Bureau of Canada.
Anyone who receives a fraudulent call, text or email, or who believes they have been a victim of fraud, is encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Incidents can also be reported to the OPP or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
