Durham Regional Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect connected to a Durham bank fraud scam that targeted an older woman and resulted in thousands of dollars being stolen.
According to investigators, the incident happened on February 12, 2026, when the victim received a phone call from a woman claiming to work for a banking institution. The caller told the victim that her banking cards had been compromised and needed to be collected immediately as part of a security process.
Police say the caller informed the victim that a representative would attend her home to retrieve the cards and arrange replacements. Shortly afterward, a male suspect arrived at the residence and collected the victim’s bank cards along with her iPhone.
The suspect allegedly told the victim he would return within an hour with replacement cards and her phone. However, police say he never returned.
Investigators later discovered the suspect used the stolen bank cards to withdraw more than $3,000 from the victim’s account and make purchases at several businesses. The incident is now being investigated as a Durham bank fraud scam involving deception and financial theft targeting a senior resident.
Police describe the suspect as a brown male with dark hair and a mustache. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing a blue jacket, dark pants, and black-and-white shoes.
Durham Regional Police have released surveillance images of the suspect and are encouraging anyone with information, security footage, or knowledge about the Durham bank fraud scam to come forward. Investigators believe public assistance may help identify the suspect and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Authorities are also using the incident to remind residents about common fraud tactics targeting older adults. Police stress that legitimate banks will never send someone to a customer’s home to collect bank cards, cash, or PIN information.
Residents are urged to immediately contact their financial institution and police if they believe they have shared personal banking information with fraudsters. Durham police are also encouraging families to speak with elderly relatives and discuss fraud prevention strategies.
Officials recommend contacting 211 when uncertain about suspicious phone calls or requests involving financial information. Anonymous tips related to the Durham bank fraud scam can also be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
Police continue to investigate the case and are warning the public to remain cautious of scams involving fake bank representatives, especially those requesting in-person collection of financial items.
