OTTAWA - The Ottawa Police Service wants to inform the public of different computer-related phone scams that have been seen in the Ottawa region.
The first scam is phone based where someone calls a victim, questions the victim about 'fake' issues/problems with his/her computer, then gives guidance in resolving the problem. The scammers provide 'fake' advice by first obtaining banking information to wire money payments.
The second scam is computer-based and resembles a phishing scam whereby a victim clicks on a pop up screen's button and is routed to a chat with a suspect, who then obtains the banking information needed to wire money payments to fix 'fake' 'issues/problems with the victim's computer.
It should be noted that:
- Microsoft does not call at home to verify on someone's computer status;
- Microsoft will not offer solutions over the phone to improve computer performance;
- Microsoft does not need your banking information to do anything; and
- Never trust a pop-up from your computer.
Anyone with information with respect to these scams, or any other scams, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fraud Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 5433 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
