Number of Montreal RBC customers defrauded in phone scams could be higher

There are reportedly more than 200 RBC customers in Montreal who were defrauded in phone scams.

Bank scams are not new but what is new is just how often its happening in Montreal.

Over the past several months, CTV News has been contacted by several RBC customers who fell victim to phone scams.

Last July, Joyce Harper got a call — one she normally wouldn’t answer. But the week before, her bank had alerted to a legitimate fraudulent charge made on her credit card so she picked up this time. It was about an e-transfer.

“I don’t know something about my limit. I didn’t know anything about that limit,” she recalled.

She followed instructions and it appears that the person on the phone was able to intercept the money transfer. Within minutes of hanging up, she was out $2,500.

“They were so professional,” Harper said.

If her story sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In April, Cassandra Schafhausen shared her story of being defrauded of more than $80,000 from a fake RBC agent.

In May, CTV News met Ida Pala, who lost $25,000 to a similar scheme.

All three were customers of RBC and say they were refused a refund.

They may just be the tip of the iceberg.

The Montreal police service (SPVM), who were not available for an interview Monday, told La Presse that they’ve received reports from 220 RBC customers claiming they were defrauded and that the real number of victims is likely much higher.

Option Consommateurs is offering legal help to some of the RBC victims who are now on the hook for money they didn’t even borrow.

“Banks can very easily shift the responsibility for losses onto consumers,” said Option Consommateurs lawyer Alexandre Plourde.

“When it comes to online transfers, Interac transfers, and debit cards, there is no real legal protection for consumers against fraud.”

The organization is calling on the federal government to hold banks accountable.

In an email statement to CTV News, RBC says while they cannot comment on specific cases they are working with law enforcement.

“Financial crimes are increasingly sophisticated, and we collaborate with regulators, industry associations, government, and law enforcement on an ongoing basis to ensure we have robust programs designed to deter, detect and report suspicious activity in each jurisdiction where we operate. We have a team of dedicated fraud experts working 24/7 to prevent, detect and investigate fraud,” a company spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, Harper says she won’t pick up the phone next time.

“Listen to your gut,” she said. “Hang up.”