The RCMP are advising people to beware of a "computer virus" scam currently affecting Saskatchewan residents.
This scam involves the victim receiving an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be from an official-sounding computer company. The suspect tells the victim they need to repair the victim's computer because of error codes or viruses. The suspect offers to complete this repair over the internet or assist in having the victim install a "fix" for the problem, but in following the suspect's direction, the victim inadvertently installs a program or virus which allows the suspect remote access to the computer. At this time the contents of the computer including personal details and bank information become vulnerable. The suspect also obtains the victim's credit card information to pay for this "service."
A number of Saskatchewan residents have been victimized by this scam. The estimated loss reported to RCMP detachments for this scam is currently over $1,500, with each victim losing between $60 and $349. As the suspects may have accessed personal information, there is also the risk of identity theft and the financial loss to the victim can be much higher.
The best way to stop this scam is education. The public should be aware of the indicators of this scam which include:
- an unsolicited call from a computer repair company
- the caller says there is an "urgent" need to repair the computer or it is at risk
- the caller requests the computer be turned on and walks the victim through installation of programs or remote access
If you have suffered a financial loss as a result of this type of scam, or allowed individuals access to your computer, you can report the incident to your local RCMP detachment or the municipal police force in your area.
For more information on current scams and frauds, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre.ca or the RCMP website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
