Kingston Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center are warning the public about a recent tech support fraud. Victims have been sent emails with fake invoices in attachments. The fraudsters will claim your subscription has been renewed or there is a problem with your payment. A phone number will be provided and if used, the fraudster will ask for remote access to your device and gain access to your personal information. Police urge you to never open suspicious emails, never log into bank accounts when sharing your screen with someone and be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls.
Warning signs and how to protect yourself
· Never open attachments from unsolicited emails as these can contain malware or viruses.
· Never allow an unknown person to gain remote access to your computer/device.
· Always look for the legitimate contact information for your service providers.
· Be suspicious about unsolicited phone calls, pop-ups and emails stating your computer/device is infected with a virus or that a threat has been detected.
· Tech support fraudsters will often use “search engine optimization”; they will often be in the first results of your online search.
· Always confirm your service provider’s domain and contact information before making a phone call or sending an email.
· Never log in to your bank accounts or email when using remote access applications or sharing your screen with someone.
· Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime should report it to Kingston Police by visiting our website and submitting an online report or by calling 613-549-4660 and to the CAFC’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if you are not a victim, report it to the CAFC anyway.
Written by Tim Baltz