Windsor police say they are getting a sharply higher number of identity fraud complaints.
According to statistics, officers with the Financial Crimes Unit have received 40 reports of identity fraud since the beginning of 2026, compared to just 17 for the same period of 2025. That accounts for a 135 per cent increase.
"This increase follows an alarming trend. In 2024, Windsor Police received 158 reports of identity fraud," read a social media post. "In 2025, that number rose to 269 reports, an increase of about 70 per cent."
Police have reminded residents to take extra steps to protect their information. Some tips are as follows.
Never leave purses, wallets, or personal documents in your vehicle, and be sure to bring them inside at night.
Never share your bank cards, personal information, or ID with anyone who comes to your door.
Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.
Activate the two-step verification option for online accounts that involve money or personal information.
Use only trusted businesses for financial and tax services.
Be sure to keep important documents and financial cards in a safe, but accessible place.
Shred any paperwork containing personal or financial information before throwing it away.
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, call the Windsor police's Financial Crimes Unit immediately at (519) 255-6700, extension 4330, and notify your bank or credit card provider.
