Fraud and scams are too prevalent in today’s world for victims to ignore or hide because they are embarrassed.
If you suspect someone is trying to defraud your family, report your suspicions to the Durham Regional Police.
DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
“Leaders in Community Safety”
605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 0B8
Telephone 1-888-579-1520; www.drps.ca
Facebook: OfficialDRPS / Twitter: @DRPS
MEDIA ADVISORY
Date: October 12, 2017 Time: 8:10 a.m.
Released By: Cst. George Tudos Ext.: 4346
SUBJECT: Police Warning of Computer Scam
DRPS is warning the community of a computer scam after two victims came forward and reported the theft of personal information.
Police have investigated two separate incidents in which the scammer contacts their victims and proposes to sell them software protection for their Microsoft/Apple computers. The victims are given an option of several anti-virus options to purchase. Once the purchase is complete, the program is installed on their computer.
What’s the Catch?
After a few months, the scammer calls back to advise that there is an issue with the software and the purchaser will be fully reimbursed. The scammer will return the money and more to the victim’s bank account. The victim is told that the company overpaid them and they request that the victim wires them back the outstanding difference. At this point, the victim returns the money. However, the suspect has transferred the money from the victim’s Visa or Line of Credit to their account without their knowledge.
The anti-virus installed into the computer is a malware and it extracts all the information on the computer including sensitive information.
The suspects in these two cases are targeting older adults and try to gain the trust of their victims by appearing to be fair and honest. In both cases, the suspect waited a few months before acting out the fraud gaining the trust of the victim. The suspect defrauded these victims of more than $32,000 dollars in total.
How to protect yourself from Fraud:
- Do your homework first about a company or
- Never provide personal information through the Internet or by Ask for advice from friends or family, specifically someone with expertise in the product you’re purchasing.
- Keep your access codes, user ID, passwords, and PINs
For more information or to report a scam attempt, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
Anyone wishing to report a fraud in Durham Region is asked to contact Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520.
Sources: City of Pickering ( Aging Well Together event ), Councillor Shaheen Butt
