OPP INVESTIGATING SCAREWARE COMPLAINTS

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment has received calls from concerned residents reporting that their computers have been locked by government agencies or various police services.

Norfolk County residents have reported that there computers are being frozen or they have been “locked out” after receiving pop-up messages warning them that their computer has been associated to inappropriate web sites. These warnings which claim to be from a government agency or police service, requests the recipient to pay $100 to $350 dollars so their computer can be “unlocked”.

These types of messages are commonly known as scareware, and are designed to create anxiety and complete shock for the computer owner resulting in the owner sending money.

If you receive one of these messages, please be aware that this is a scam. These messages are not being issued by any police service or government agency. If you’ve been “locked out” of your computer, this is an indication that your computer system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem.

Tips to protect yourself:

Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you through an e-mail.

Update your anti-virus software often and scan your computer for viruses regularly.

Don’t click on links or attachments in e-mails sent to you by someone you don’t know.

Turn on your browser’s pop-up blocking feature.

Never click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus.

If you received a scareware message, please contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

If any groups or businesses in Norfolk County would like to have a presentation completed regarding Scams and Frauds / Identity Theft prevention, please contact Provincial Constable Ed Sanchuk at the Norfolk County Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.

FRAUD – RECOGNIZE IT…REPORT IT…STOP IT…

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