NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Throughout the month of March, the Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be focusing on the most common frauds being reported.
Phishing is any email falsely claiming to be from an established legitimate organization such as a financial institution, business, or government agency. The email may request or direct the consumer to visit a certain website to update or provide personal and/or financial information and passwords. It is really a malicious attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing fraud. This is also known as 'brand spoofing.'
To recognize and avoid phishing:
- Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spyware filters, email filters and firewall programs.
- Contact the financial institution immediately and report your suspicions.
- Do not reply to any email that requests your personal information.
- Look for misspelled words.
- Always report phishing or 'spoofed' emails.
If you or someone you know may have been the victim of a phishing scam, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
FRAUD… Recognize it… Report it… Stop it.
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