March 28, 2015
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(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Members of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch remind everyone to be aware of the many E-mail scams criminals use to commit identity theft and other crimes.
Phishing is any E-mail falsely claiming to be from an established legitimate organization such as a financial institution, business or government agency. The E-mail may request or direct the consumer to visit a certain website to update or provide personal and/or financial information and passwords. It is really a malicious attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing fraud. This is also known as ‘brand spoofing.’
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (formerly Phonebusters) reports phishing fraud scams continue to take a critical financial toll on Canadians. In 2014, the centre received 2,412 ‘phishing’ complaints. The 1,318 people identified as victims lost more than $245,600.
“Together, we need to do all we can to convince the 95 per cent of victims to report fraud which could then prevent more harm and victimization," says deputy commissioner Scott TOD, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime Command. "Always report phishing or 'spoofed' E-mails.”
“Don’t rush to update something you received via E-mail," says detective inspector Mike BICKERTON, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch. "Take a minute and think, ‘Does it make sense that they would be E-mailing me for my particulars?’ If not, report the crime.”
To recognize and avoid phishing:
Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spyware filters, E-mail filters and firewall programs.
Contact the financial institution immediately and report your suspicions.
Do not reply to any E-mail that requests your personal information.
Look for misspelled words.
Always report phishing or 'spoofed' emails.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on-line at https://www.tipsubmit.com/ or the official entity that it appears to be from.
Join the Fraud Prevention Month 2015 conversation on your social media channels to prevent further harm and victimization by using the hashtags #stopfraud #fraudprevention and #dontbeavictim
FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.
LEARN MORE
OPP – March is Fraud Prevention Month
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre – On-line Fraud
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