(ST.MARYS, ON) On Monday January 31, 2011, a St.Marys resident contacted the Perth County OPP and reported that he had been tricked into providing personal information on line.
Investigation revealed that just over a week ago the man received an email from what he thought to be his credit card company which had the company logo and appeared authentic. The email stated that there was “suspicious activity†on his credit card account. He was advised to click on an attached internet link.
Upon opening the link an official looking company security form was displayed with all the official credit card company colours and logos. The form asked for information about the client and in addition he was asked to fill in his Social Insurance and Drivers Licence number. The man completed the form and sent it off. Shortly thereafter the man started to wonder about the legitimacy of the email and called his bank enquiring about it. He was advised that this was a fraud and that they would NEVER ask for any of this information.
The bank cancelled the man’s credit card, flagged his account and assisted by providing information how he could protect himself.
The Perth County OPP wants to remind the public that frauds involving identity theft are the fastest growing crimes in Canada. A Social Insurance and Drivers Licence number are vital pieces of information criminals require to complete identity theft or to fill out credit applications.
If you are unsure about financial or other information requests contact your trusted financial advisor or your local financial institution.
The public is also urged to check-out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre web site at www.antifraudcentre.ca This web site, provides the latest fraud information and ways in which the public can protect its self.