Hanover, Ontario residents are being warned about a surge in email scams after the Hanover Police Service issued an advisory on December 11, 2025. Scammers send fake emails that look like they come from banks, utilities or government agencies and urge recipients to “update” or “verify” personal information by clicking a link. Those links lead to fraudulent websites designed to harvest social insurance numbers, passwords and banking credentials.
The emails use urgency and authority to trick people into acting before they think. They often spoof real company logos and email addresses, and rely on small differences in URLs that homeowners and seniors may not notice. When victims enter their details on the fake sites, fraudsters can carry out account takeover and other identity-based thefts, which may lead to drained bank accounts or new credit opened in a victim’s name.
The Hanover Police Service recommends residents follow the “Recognize, Reject, and Report” strategy. Never click links in unexpected emails. Instead, type the company’s official web address directly into your browser or call the organization using a number from your statement. Anyone who receives a suspicious message should report it to the Hanover Police Service (confirm non-emergency/reporting number with HPS; the advisory references 519-364-2411) and to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Some local losses have already been reported: for example, in March 2025 Hanover police investigated a remote-access fraud in which a resident lost nearly $3,000. Police therefore urge vigilance. Hanover Police and Chief Chris Knoll emphasize that prevention through education is the most effective defence against digital fraud, and the service is working with partners, including the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre, to track these borderless schemes and protect residents.
