The Courier Fraud Scam

Reviewed by Aaron Kramer, Two Birds Innovation · Last reviewed: March 2026

⚠️ Key warning sign: Your real bank will NEVER send anyone to your home to collect your bank card. Ever. If someone says they are coming to your door for your card — it is a criminal.

How the scam works — step by step

  1. You receive a phone call. The caller claims to be from your bank's fraud department or from the police. They sound professional and calm.
  2. They tell you that your bank card has been compromised, cloned, or used fraudulently. They say they need to replace it immediately.
  3. They ask you to confirm your card number and PIN "to verify your identity."
  4. They tell you to cut your card in half but keep both pieces — or simply wait with the card. They say a courier or officer is coming to collect it for "investigation."
  5. A person arrives at your door, takes your card (and often your PIN), and leaves. Your account is drained within hours.

Why it works

The scam is effective because it creates both fear (your card is compromised) and a sense of official authority (they are from the bank or police). The caller is often very convincing — they may know your name, address, or part of your account number, which they obtained from previous fraud or data leaks.

Many victims do not realise they have been scammed until they try to use their card or check their account.

What to do if you receive this call

  • Hang up immediately
  • Wait at least 5 minutes before making another call — some scammers stay on the line and "spoof" your dial tone
  • Call your bank using the number on the back of your card, or on your official bank statement
  • Tell your bank about the call — they will take action if your account is at risk
  • Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
The bank will never call and ask for your PIN

Your bank already knows your PIN is secret. A legitimate bank employee will never ask for it over the phone, in a text message, or through a third party. If anyone asks for your PIN — the call is a fraud.

Report this scam
If you have experienced this scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or at antifraudcentre.ca. Reporting helps protect other Canadians.
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Sources & References