The Winnipeg Police Service says Manitobans account for one-third of total losses reported from what they call the "Bank Investigator Scam."

$3.2 million from Canadians have been reported as stolen due to the scam, with one million of those losses coming from Manitobans.

Police are warning that scammers will call claiming to be bank investigators trying to protect you against fraudulent activity.

Callers will claim that there is an issue with their bank or credit card, and to call a separate number with the card number to "verify" it. The WPS says the person on the other line will then ask for the victim to transfer money to a provided account for "security reasons."

The WPS notes that these calls can happen early in the morning when the victim is "not yet alert."

Newer technology also poses a threat to those avoiding scam calls. The caller ID phones may display that the caller is from a particular institution even if they are not. This technology is called "call-spoofing" and is becoming common in fraudulent phone calls.

The WPS asks that if you or someone you know has been a victim of the Bank Investigator Scam, contact both the Winnipeg Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to file a report. 

Seventh-Annual Shred-It Event

During the WPS's Anti-Fraud Month, the service is sharing ways for people to dispose of confidential information at their seventh-annual shredding event to help combat fraud.

Shred-It is a free event for the public that allows private citizens to dispose of up to two boxes of personal documents.

New this year is the inclusion of old electronics such as USB drives and hard drives.

The WPS asking people to bring their old and unwanted electronics and documents to either the St. Vital Mall or CF Polo Park to dispose of confidential information on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.