NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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Today's “Fraud Friday” is about unsolicited computer repair services. There are variations on the information you will be told, but the fraud has multiple motivations and ways that a person is scammed.
How it works:
You will receive a call, text message or even an email regarding your computer operating system (i.e. Windows, Mac etc.). The fraudsters will claim to be selling a service to protect your computer from viruses and/or speed it up. If the fraudsters have already gained remote access to the computer (instances where fraudsters have used their computer to connect to your computer through a network connection), they will tell you that they are installing software to protect your computer. At this point, the fraudsters may also say they need payment for the service and will ask for credit card numbers. If they gain access to your computer, the fraudsters can download software that can infect and allow access to your personal information and sensitive data (i.e. passwords, banking information).
In some circumstances, fraudsters gain access to your banking and will use your account to receive funds from other fraud victims or criminal activity. In addition, they will transfer funds between your other accounts (i.e. from your Line of Credit to your chequing account) to make you believe that you have received funds. Then, the fraudster will ask you to wire or Etransfer funds to other accounts. Essentially, by the time you realize the scam, you could be out thousands of dollars. Your bank will have to conduct an investigation and you may be held responsible for the funds transferred out of your bank accounts.
What you can do:
The best method to protect yourself against this type of fraud is to have your computer maintained by a reputable service repair location. Be cautious of unsolicited calls.
The following are tips to help you identify a fraudulent computer repair service:
- Do not speak with the people calling you at that time.
- If you did not request a computer repair service, do not provide them access to your network, computer or personal information; be very cautious of unsolicited calls.
- Find the number for a repair service yourself. Use a reputable repair service.
- Never provide personal or banking information to someone you do not know on the phone, text or email.
- Contact your bank regarding any suspicious transactions in your accounts immediately.
- Do not forward or transfer money to people you do not know.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, contact your financial institution immediately and local police. You can also report it online to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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