Windsor Police Sound Alarm Over Dramatic Rise in Identity Fraud Cases
The Windsor Police Service has issued a stark warning to residents following a sharp increase in reported identity fraud cases, describing the trend as alarming and urging heightened vigilance to safeguard personal and financial information.
Staggering Statistics Reveal Growing Threat
According to police data, authorities have already received 40 reports of identity fraud in 2026, compared to just 17 reports during the same period last year. This represents a 135 per cent increase and continues what officials describe as a concerning pattern that has been developing over recent years.
Sergeant Rob Durling of the Windsor Police Service's financial crimes unit emphasized that this current spike is part of a broader troubling trajectory. "Identity theft is coming from a number of sources," Durling explained. "You have data breaches, you have people's wallets and purses stolen from their cars that contain personal identification like drivers' licences. There's not one particular factor that you can drill down and say is the reason we have such an increase."
Historical Context Shows Escalating Problem
The current surge follows significant year-over-year increases. In 2024, Windsor police received 158 reports of identity fraud. That number jumped to 269 reports in 2025 — an increase of approximately 70 per cent. The current data suggests this upward trend is accelerating rather than abating.
Vulnerable Populations and Digital Threats
While identity fraud affects people across all age groups, Sergeant Durling noted that seniors are particularly at risk. "Because they come from a different era, and as we move into the digital age, they don't understand some of the processes that are in place, so they are unfortunately targeted and taken advantage of," he said.
Durling also highlighted the prevalence of digital scams using email and text messages as particularly concerning. "People using their cellphone to communicate are vulnerable to, say, an inner office email being compromised or text messages that you think are legitimate when in actuality they are not," he warned. "You have to be on guard, especially when you're receiving and sending emails and texts to know who you're dealing with."
Protective Measures Recommended by Police
The Windsor Police Service has provided residents with a comprehensive list of protective measures to help guard against identity fraud:
- Never leave purses, wallets, or personal documents in vehicles, especially overnight
- Refuse to share financial cards, personal information, or identification with anyone who comes to your door unexpectedly
- Consider enrolling in credit monitoring services through Equifax or TransUnion
- Activate two-step verification for online accounts involving money or personal information
- Use only trusted, reputable businesses for financial and tax services
- Store important documents and financial cards in secure, safe locations
- Shred paperwork containing personal or financial details before disposal or recycling
Immediate Action Required for Victims
Individuals who suspect they may have fallen victim to identity fraud or identity theft are urged to take immediate action. Police recommend contacting both the Windsor Police Service financial crimes unit at 519-255-6700, extension 4330, and your bank or credit card provider without delay.
The Windsor Police Service emphasizes that prompt reporting is crucial for investigating these crimes and potentially preventing further financial damage to victims. As identity fraud techniques become increasingly sophisticated, authorities stress that public awareness and proactive protection measures are essential defenses against this growing threat to personal security and financial wellbeing.
