Scam Alerts Continue

Wednesday, 9 January 2019 07:05

Woodstock Police are warning the public about two frauds that hit the friendly city in 2018.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police are hoping to raise awareness about Frauds and Scams in the New Year.

Over the next week, we will be highlighting some of the scams that hit the Friendly City in 2018. Community Service Officer Shaylyn Jackson says Microsoft will never contact you if your computer has a virus.

"So what they are doing, is the scammers are calling people at home and saying your computer is broken, we have to fix it and I can do it right now remotely. The victim will often provide information to access their computer and once they do the scammer can do online banking from your machine, send emails and gather all of your personal information."

Jackson says another way to tell if something is a fraud, is if they ask for payment in iTunes gift cards, which happens more than you would think.

"This one actually just happened recently in Woodstock. Citizens receive calls, text messages or emails instructing them to purchase several iTunes gift cards and provide the gift card number to remove unexplained charges on their iTunes account or owed back taxes to the CRA. The only time anyone should use an iTunes gift card is if making purchases in the Apple iTunes and App stores."

Jackson says you should only call police if you are a victim of fraud. If you have had a fraud call but no money was exchanged you can report it online at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ or by calling Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.

Fraud Prevention Tips

* Do not call these people back

* Do not open emails from unfamiliar senders

* Do not provide any personal information such as social insurance number, credit card number, bank account information or passport numbers.

* If you are pressured to access a fraudulent website, don't.

* The CRA will never ask you to provide personal information by email

* Be suspicious if asked to pay taxes or fees on lottery or sweepstakes winnings

* Never share access codes, user ID, or PIN numbers

* Make sure you choose a trusted tax preparer