Don't Click the Link

Monday, 6 January 2020 at 13:50

Police are warning the public to be cautious after an officer received suspicious text messages from scammers pretending to work for your bank and a streaming service.

OPP are warning the public to be wary of suspicious text messages.

Recently an officer from Elgin County was sent a series messages from a potential scammer. One message claimed to be from Scotiabank, stating their online access had been temporally disabled and then they received a similar message from Royal Bank. Both texts included links to verify your information. Another message claimed to be from Netflix, saying your account has been limited for security. It also included a link to click on. All three of these messages were scams and the links are very dangerous. If you get a message like this, do not click on the link and do not provide any information.

OPP are reminding all residents to be aware if they should receive any fake e-mails or text messages. The messages contain links to fraudulent websites that look as if they come from a legitimate financial institution. These messages may be from online fraudsters "phishing" for your personal information to gain access to your finances or commit other crimes in your name.

OPP offer the following tips to anyone who has been the victim of fraud.

- Stay calm and contact local police
- Stop all communication with the scammer
- Gather all records and correspondence
- Notify financial institutions that accounts may be affected
- Change passwords to accounts, including social media
- Update computer security software

Even if a victim did not lose money, it is important to report the scam or fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Reports help police with their investigations and identify current types of scams and frauds while informing proactive criminal prevention programs.

Wow, how did they know I bank at both places and have a Netflix account. I don't 😒. Please #kNOwFraud and delete. #CyberSecurity @canantifraud ^ac pic.twitter.com/gr4Es7ygIH
— OPP West (@OPP_WR) January 6, 2020