Toronto residents are being targeted with an e-transfer scam near malls. Here’s how to protect yourself
Toronto investigators are probing “several” incidents of the scam, a police spokesperson told the Star.
Aug. 26, 2025
Officers are urging people to always keep hold of their phones while sending an e-transfer to someone they don’t know.
By Elissa MendesStaff Reporter
Torontonians should be on the lookout for an e-transfer scam near local malls, investigators warned Tuesday.
In the scam, an individual targets victims near public spaces and ask them to e-transfer the individual $10 or $20 in exchange for cash, investigators said in a news release.
But when the victim provides their cellphone to the person with their banking app open, the suspect inputs their email address and sends themselves upwards of $3,000 from the victim’s account.
The suspect then hands back the victim’s phone and flees, police said.
Toronto investigators are probing “several” incidents of the scam, with more reports coming in, a police spokesperson told the Star.
Officers are urging people to always keep hold of their phones while sending an e-transfer to someone they don’t know, and to never allow strangers to access to their online banking information.
