Provincial Police are advising local residents to stay alert for scammers pretending to be representatives of telecom companies.
The OPP reports a spike in incidents where people receive calls from someone claiming to work for a telecom provider, stating that equipment must be replaced and asking for online access.
In one instance in Kenora, the victim was tricked into accessing their online banking details, which the scammer then used to try to steal funds.
In another case from Fort Frances, the victim was convinced to send money after being informed that their bank account had been breached.
The OPP mentions that others have been approached via email and text messages, with scammers aiming to create urgency and push victims into acting quickly before they can check if the request is genuine.
They advise taking steps to safeguard yourself:
Be cautious about unexpected calls asking for access to your computer, banking apps, or personal details, especially those pushing you to act fast. Real companies won’t use aggressive tactics to gain access to your devices or financial info. Be suspicious of requests involving strange payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Never give remote access to your computer or device based on an unsolicited call. Don’t log into your online banking at the instruction of someone who reached out unexpectedly.
The OPP emphasizes never sharing personal or financial information over the phone with unknown callers.
If you’re unsure about a call, hang up and reach out directly to your telecom provider.
If you think your banking information might have been compromised, get in touch with your financial institution right away.
To report cybercrime or if you believe you’ve fallen victim, contact the Ontario Provincial Police as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s (CAFC) online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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