TL;DR: Hamilton police warned on October 20, 2026 about a three-stage scam targeting seniors: a caller from your “phone or internet provider” offers a discount, then a “bank” caller says your account is compromised, then a courier comes to collect your bank cards while they ask for your PIN. Banks never send couriers for cards or ask for PINs. Hang up and call your bank on a number you’ve checked yourself.
The three stages
From CHCH News, after several reports to Hamilton police in a week:
- The discount call. Someone claiming to be your phone or internet provider offers a discount. This warms you up and often collects personal details.
- The bank call. A second caller, claiming to be from your bank, says your account has been compromised.
- The courier. They arrange for a courier to pick up your bank cards, and ask for your PIN so the card can be “cancelled” or “investigated.”
The first call is the clever bit. It’s friendly and pleasant, so by the time the “bank” rings, you’re already in a cooperative mood, and the scammer may know your provider, your address and your name.
What police say
- Keep PINs, passwords and banking details private; never share them by phone.
- Don’t trust a caller just because they know your personal information. It can come from breaches, stolen mail or other sources.
- Banks don’t send couriers to collect cards or PINs.
- If unsure, contact your bank or provider on a number you’ve verified yourself, or visit a branch.
- Report suspicious calls to police.
The older version: "bank investigators"
Hamilton police have warned about bank impersonation before. In January 2021, the service described a "bank investigator" scam where callers posing as a financial institution’s investigators told victims to withdraw cash and buy gift cards or deposit money into a crypto ATM. Police said then: "A financial institution will never ask you to pay for anything in gift cards or virtual currency," and "financial institutions will never involve clients in internal investigations."
The 2026 version swaps gift cards for a courier, but the core lie is the same: your bank needs your help to catch a criminal. It doesn’t.
Red flags at each stage
| Stage | What you hear | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Provider call | "You’ve earned a discount on your phone or internet bill" | Unsolicited, and asks you to confirm personal details |
| 2. Bank call | "Your account has been compromised" | Arrives soon after the first call, uses urgency, may know your details |
| 3. Courier | "We’ll send someone to collect your cards; just confirm your PIN" | No bank ever sends couriers for cards or asks for a PIN |
Two old Hamilton police tips still apply: never use a phone number the caller gives you, and call your bank using the number on a previous statement or the back of your card.
For shop and bank staff
Hamilton police have also asked retailers to watch for customers who are on the phone during a large purchase or buying unusual amounts of gift cards, and to call police if they suspect a scam. Bank tellers and family members are often the last line of defence.
A pattern across Canada
The same card pick-up scam has been reported in Maple Ridge and elsewhere, and the UK calls it courier fraud. Variations swap cards for gold (the gold scam) or cash.
Help an older relative
Agree one rule: nobody from a bank ever comes to the door for cards, and nobody needs your PIN. If a courier is coming, call family first. See protecting elderly parents.
If cards were handed over, call the bank immediately to cancel them, then report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. A free email exposure check can show what’s leaked about a parent’s email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do banks send couriers to collect bank cards?
No. Hamilton police say banks don’t send couriers to collect cards or PINs.
How does the Hamilton scam start?
With a call from someone claiming to be your phone or internet provider offering a discount.
The caller knew my personal details. Does that mean it’s real?
No. Police say scammers get personal information from breaches, stolen mail and other sources.
Will my bank ask me to help with an investigation?
No. Hamilton police say financial institutions never involve clients in internal investigations.
What should I do if I handed over my cards?
Call your bank immediately to cancel them, then report to police and the CAFC.
Sources
- CHCH News: Hamilton police warn of new scam targeting seniors (Oct 20, 2026)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Hamilton Police Service: Bank investigator scam