As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging Ontarians and businesses to stay vigilant against rising threats from cybercriminals using spoofed emails, fake websites, and ransomware attacks to steal personal data and redirect payments.
These deceptive tactics, which mimic trusted institutions like banks and government agencies, often include altered email addresses or lookalike characters in web links to create a sense of legitimacy. Criminals may also use urgent or unexpected payment requests to pressure individuals into divulging sensitive information.
Ransomware, which locks systems and demands payment for access, is often introduced via phishing emails or infected websites. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unknown senders, and use multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts.
The OPP offers the following tips to protect yourself:
- Don’t click on suspicious links, reply to unknown senders, or call numbers from unfamiliar messages.
- Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) and delete any questionable messages.
- Keep your smartphone secure with the latest software updates.
- Use multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts like banking or social media.
- Always verify unexpected messages by checking official websites or contacting organizations directly.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, it’s suggested that you report it to your local police department and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or submit a report online through the Fraud Reporting System.
For more information on fraud prevention, you can visit opp.ca and sfo.opp.ca.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
