Windsor police's Financial Crimes Unit is urging residents to be vigilant after a sharp increase in fraud complaints so far this year.
Investigators have recorded an 80 per cent rise in complaints in 2025.
Police say the increase is attributed to theft of personal information from vehicles, data breaches, and phone calls where people are tricked or coerced into giving out personal information.
"Identity theft has serious and lasting consequences for victims," said Windsor Police Sergeant Rob Durling of the Financial Crimes Unit. "A few extra steps of precaution, like keeping your ID secure and being cautious about who you share personal information with, can go a long way in preventing it."
To protect yourself, Windsor police suggest the following.
Never leave ID, banking documents, or personal information in your vehicle.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts requesting personal details.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Regularly review your credit reports and bank statements for suspicious activity.
Shred personal documents before discarding them.
Check your credit report through agencies such as Equifax, and notify them immediately if you believe your identity has been compromised.
If you believe you've been the target of fraud, report it immediately to Windsor police by calling the Financial Crimes Unit at (519) 255-6700, extension 4330.
