Key Takeaways
- Toronto police intervened on November 5 while a fraud was in progress, preventing a loss of about $2.9 million — no money was transferred.
- The suspects posed as a telecom company, got the victim to install UltraViewer remote-access software, then pushed them to open online banking.
- Police say never install remote-access software or open banking at an unexpected caller's direction; hang up and verify using the number on your bill.
Police Arrived While the $2.9 Million Scam Was Still Happening
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, Toronto Police got a tip that a fraud was in progress. The target was about $2.9 million.
The alert came from the Edmonton Police Service, and it reached the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit in time to act.
Officers from 32 Division went to the victim's home and intervened before any money was transferred. The full approximately $2.9 million was saved.
The victim was on a video call with the suspects
When officers arrived, they found a scam already in motion. The victim was on a video call with the suspects and was in the process of opening online banking.
When officers tried to speak with the callers, the suspects disconnected. But police could still see remote-access activity continuing on the victim's computer. No transactions ever took place.
How the scam worked
Toronto Police say the scheme worked like this:
- A suspect posed as a representative of a major telecommunications company.
- He claimed the company was improving service in the neighbourhood and needed access to the computer to check internet speed.
- The victim was directed to install UltraViewer, a remote-access program.
- The suspect then claimed the computer was full of problems and viruses he would help remove.
- Finally, he told the victim to log into online banking, supposedly to confirm no money had been taken.
What police want you to do — and not do
Toronto Police warn against installing remote-access software because an unexpected caller tells you to. They also say never open online banking while a stranger has access to your screen.
Caller ID, a familiar company name and even a video call prove nothing.
If you've already given access, disconnect the device from the internet, call your bank from another device, and have the computer checked by a reputable professional before banking on it again. Anyone with information can call Toronto Police at 416-808-2222.
The Twikup Take
Most fraud stories end with money gone and a police report. This one shows the other ending — two police services sharing information fast enough to knock on a door mid-scam. The $2.9 million figure is the size of the account the fraudsters were reaching for, and the whole scheme hinged on one install the victim was talked into.
Image: AI-generated illustration.