OPP Remind Residents To Be Aware Of Computer Virus Scam

Saturday, 9 March 2019 10:25

OPP are reminding residents to not click on online pop-ups after a homeowner from Norfolk County lost $140,000.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Norfolk Ontario Provincial Police are reminding all residents about the computer virus scam after a concerned resident lost $140,000.

Officers received a call from a concerned resident on March 6th around 9:10am, reporting they had been the victim of a computer virus scam.

The homeowner was using their personal computer on January 31st when they received a pop-up notification indicating that there were issues relating to their computer virus protection and functionality. The owner clicked on the pop-up, following all the rules, and then signed a form indicating that repairs were completed which was electronically returned.

Several other emails were exchanged in between January 2017 and March 2019 and further remote access to the owner's computer was allowed. It wasn't until the victim reviewed his statements that he realized that his line of credit had been accessed with approximately $140,000 being removed by the time the fraud was discovered.

Police are urging everyone to ignore the online pop-ups if you should receive one. It's a SCAM.

Computer users are reminded, that unless you initiate the call, do not allow anyone access to your computer. Don't give out personal, banking or credit card information to anyone unless you are sure of whom you are dealing with.

Change your passwords frequently as well.

Tips to protect yourself:

- Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you through an e-mail.

- Update your anti-virus software often and scan your computer for viruses regularly.

- Don't click on links or attachments in e-mails sent to you by someone you don't know.

- Turn on your browser's pop-up blocking feature.

- Never click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus.

If any groups or businesses in Norfolk County would like to have a presentation completed regarding Scams and Frauds /Identity Theft prevention, please contact Provincial Constable Ed Sanchuk at the Norfolk County Detachment at 519-426-3434.