The Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is warning the public about ongoing scams in Muskoka.
On February 9, 2026, Bracebridge OPP responded to two separate reports of scams that cost the victims thousands of dollars. During one interaction, scammers called the victim on the phone and convinced them that they were collecting gift cards to help those in need in the community. The well-intentioned victim followed through on the request and ultimately lost several thousand dollars.
The second interaction involved what has become known as the “emergency scam” or “grandparent scam”, during which a phone call is made to the victim, who is then convinced that their family member is in harms’ way and they require money. These calls can be emotional and stressful and unfortunately, thousands of dollars in this case, were lost to this scam.
Fraudsters put a great deal of effort into the tactics used to steal money from victims. Generally, they apply a lot of pressure and create an emotional response in their victims, which can lead to impulsive decisions. In most situations this involves the use of technology and the transfer of data or digital funds.
Scammers can target anyone, here are some tips to help protect yourself:
- Don’t be afraid to say no
- Slow things down and verify all information with a trusted source
- Don’t give out personal information including your address, birthdate, social insurance number or credit card/banking information
- Protect your computer and watch for urgent looking messages
- Protect your online accounts and choose strong passwords
- Recognize spoofing- fraudsters have the ability to manipulate the phone number appearing on your call display or text messages, even email addresses.
- Never click on links received via text message or email.
Police Impersonation Scams
Earlier this month, Orillia OPP alerted residents across the region to an emerging scam trend involving suspects who pose as police officers to defraud victims of substantial amounts of money.
Fraudsters have contacted victims by phone while claiming to be members of the OPP. In each case, the suspect used fabricated names, titles, and badge information to gain credibility. Victims were instructed to withdraw large sums of money and either send the funds through cryptocurrency platforms or hand over cash directly. These tactics resulted in significant financial losses, including incidents where victims paid between $6,000 and $13,000 to individuals falsely claiming to be officers.
Police have confirmed that the names and ranks provided by the scammers do not correspond with any OPP members. Fraudsters often use urgency, intimidation, and fear to pressure victims into complying with their demands.
The OPP is reminding the public of the following fraud prevention strategies:
- Police will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone.
- Police will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or pressure you to act urgently.
- Do not provide personal information, banking details, PINs, or identification numbers to unsolicited callers.
- Pause and talk to a trusted family member or friend before making any financial decision under pressure.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an OPP officer and you are unsure of its legitimacy, you can contact the OPP non emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
This number can be used to:
Confirm whether an officer has attempted to contact you
Report suspicious calls or attempted frauds
Speak directly with police about fraud related concerns
Multi-Agency Efforts Result In Arrest In Major Financial Fraud Investigation
On February 9th, a complex, multi-agency investigation led by the Manitoulin Detachment of the OPP Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of one person in connection with a major cyber financial fraud.
On October 28, 2024, the Manitoulin OPP received a report of a fraud involving the loss of a substantial sum of money. Due to the scope and complexity of the fraud, the investigation was conducted with support from several agencies including the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch (ARB), the Nipissing West OPP Crime Unit, the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Bahamas Liaison.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a person was arrested with assistance from the Hawkesbury OPP Crime Unit, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and La Sûreté du Québec. 54-years-old Salvy Taglianini from Saint-Placide, Quebec, was charged with fraud over $5,000 and laundering Proceed of Crime
For more fraud facts and figures and a downloadable booklet (PDF), visit The Competition Bureau of Canada website at https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/home or by visiting http://www.opp.ca, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Protect yourself from scams and fraud.
