OTTAWA,
ON, July 2, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian
Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Ontario Provincial
Police (OPP) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are
warning Canadians about the increasing threat of fraudsters
impersonating the CAFC and police services. Sometimes, fraudsters
are claiming to assist the CAFC with an ongoing investigation
using their letterhead and logo as part of the fraud
or in other cases, they spoof police phone numbers.
The three most common impersonation scams to look out for
include:
1) Bank investigator
The fraudster claims to be from the bank, a major credit card
provider or, in some cases, from businesses such as Amazon. They
say there are unauthorized charges on your account or that your
account is compromised. At times, the fraudster demands that you
provide your credit card information and that you send money for
reimbursement fees or as bait money to help catch a bad
employee.
In order to convince the victim that it's a legitimate
investigation, fraudsters send a fraudulent letter via email which
may include the CAFC's logo. The letter will advise that the
CAFC is investigating and that you, the victim, must cooperate in
order to "catch" the suspect. Fraudulent contact information (phone
number and email address) is provided so that you communicate with
them.
2) Tech support
The fraudster claims a virus infected your computer. Fraudsters
state that your computer is sending out viruses or has been hacked
and must be serviced. They request access to your computer and may
run programs or alter settings. Fraudsters will claim that they
have found fraudulent activity on your computer and an
investigation is required. Victims are contacted by:
- Alarming website pop-ups that demand you call a number
urgently
- Unsolicited telephone calls (they may claim to be a Microsoft
or other well-known computer company employee)
Fraudsters send a fraudulent letter via email which may include
the CAFC's logo. The letter will advise that the CAFC is
investigating and that you, the victim, must cooperate in order to
"catch" the suspect. Fraudulent contact information (phone number
and email address) is provided for you to communicate with
them.
3) Recovery pitch
If you have been a victim of a fraud, you may be
targeted again with a promise to get your money back.
Fraudsters will claim to be from a government agency or law
enforcement and ask for your help with a "sting" operation to take
down scammers who stole your money.
To convince you that these are legitimate investigations, or
that they have found fraudulent activity on your computer,
fraudsters send a letter by email which may include the CAFC's
logo. The letter will advise that the CAFC is investigating and
that you must cooperate to "catch" the suspect. They will provide
fraudulent contact information (phone number and email address) for
you to communicate with them. They will claim that a payment is
required to assist with the investigation and will promise to
return the funds, but they never will.
Warning signs and how to protect yourself
- The CAFC or police services will never ask:
- to transfer money or make a payment
- for remote access to your computer
- for personal information or any type of payment from you
- Fraudsters will often provide the first 4 to 6 numbers of your
debit or credit card
- Remember that most debit and credit card numbers with specific
financial institutions begin with the same four to six numbers
- Do not assume that phone numbers appearing on your call display
are accurate Criminals use call-spoofing to mislead victims.
- If you get an incoming call claiming to be from your financial
institution, advise the caller that you will call them back
- End the call and dial the number on the back of your card from
a different phone if possible or wait 10 minutes before making the
outgoing call
- Never be afraid to disconnect the call
- Never allow an unknown person to gain remote access to your
computer/device
- Always have your computer/device serviced by a reputable
business
- Never pay an advance fee to get a refund
If you believe you have been a victim of these scams or a
similar one, immediately contact your bank, your local
police and the CAFC.
Quick facts
- The CAFC is a national police service that gathers intelligence
on fraud across Canada and assists police of jurisdiction with
enforcement and prevention efforts.
- The CAFC is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police, the Competition Bureau Canada, and the Ontario Provincial
Police.
- Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of
fraud should report it to their local police and to
the CAFC's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
If not a victim, report it to the CAFC anyway.
Associated links
- Protect yourself from scams and fraud
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Fraudsters impersonating the Canadian Anti-Fraud
Centre
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police