FRAUD WATCH

Check out the latest scams below (updated January 26, 2023)

Fraud Watch

Welcome to our Fraud Watch page. Here you will find information on fraud and scams, and how to spot them. We provide links to official websites that show the numerous ways online thieves are trying to steal your money and/or identity, and websites that can help you prevent fraud or coach you if you become a victim.

No matter how careful we think we are, scammers try to get the upper hand. They prey on our fears and anxieties with scare tactics that can hinder our better judgment. They try to trick us with email attachments that install malware on our computer, or send us links to fake web pages that steal our usernames and passwords.

Be wary of emails, SMS texts, letters, and phone calls from individuals and companies you don’t know, or messages that are unexpected. Be especially careful with “important” messages using scare tactics. And, don’t believe any offers for making a quick buck; if it seems too good to be true, it usually is!

Have you encountered a scam recently? Send an image or forward the email to FraudAlert@opcug.ca. If we haven’t already posted something similar, we’ll feature it on this page. In order to protect your privacy, we will remove your identifiers.

ONLINE RESOURCES

How to protect yourself online: 
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Get Cyber Safe
CIRA Canadian Shield 

Naked Security by Sophos
Phishing tricks that really work – and how to avoid them

DHS package delivery notification  In these COVID-19 times of abundant online shopping, SOPHOS tells us how to avoid this latest email scam.

Here are some websites that list newer and older scams in circulation: 
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (COVID-19 fraud)
10 most costly scams for Canadians in 2018 (with advice from the BBB)

What to do if you become a victim of fraud:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Report a scam or fraud -Government of Ontario (includes a good list of scam types)

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR PASSWORDS?

If you allow Google Chrome to save your passwords, you can check them at https://passwords.google.com/ and see if any are compromised, duplicates, or weak.
See Rules for creating and safeguarding strong passwords (CNET)

If any of your passwords are on this list, you should change them: 
Top100kUsedPasswords (use Ctrl+F to search the list)

Check if your passwords have been pawned:
https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords

Check if your email address has been pawned:
https://haveibeenpwned.com/


SECURING YOUR COMPUTER

The Gibson Research Corporation (GRC)
This venerable institution has been around for decades. Check if your computer ports are open to attack with this free service.
Probe your ports: ShieldsUP!!

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Non-technical Safeguards

by Chris Taylor, OPCUG
Guard yourself against email, phone, and password fraud, and more!

BEWARE THE POWER
OF QR CODES

Malicious QR codes can do many bad things on your device.

Romance Scams

Beware of online Valentinos or Valentinas asking you for money.

QR Code Scam

Beware of fake QR codes at parking meters

MIcrosoft Windows Support Scam

Presented at the January 5, 2022 weekly Q&A session

Omicron Variant Scam

Presented at the January 5, 2022 weekly Q&A session

Security Layers (PDF)

Presented by Tom Trottier at the December 8, 2021 monthly meeting. (audio recording)

12 SCAM AVOIDANCE TIPS

by Lawrence Patterson

Social Engineering Red Flags

Reprinted with permision from KnowBe4

Scam Tracking Overview

Submitted by Lawrence Patterson

SCAMS: WHAT HAS CHANGED?

A presentation (PDF) by Lawrence Patterson

EXAMPLES OF SCAMS

SMS SCAMS

Beware of message scams


GIFT CARD SCAM

Fake stickers covering
real barcode at back

Grandparent Scam

Caller wants money for grandchild in trouble

Invoice Scams

Don't be fooled by looks

Another Rogers
E-mail Problem

"Upgrade or be deleted"

Smishing Scam

Fake Install Now button installs malware on your phone

"DHL-Express" Delivery Scam

Pay for package "on hold"

"Can you do me a favour" scam

Just "Catching Up!!!". Not really

"SHOPPERS DRUG MART" SCAMS

"We have a surprise"
(it's not a good one)

E-mail scams with attachments

Malicious code in sheep's clothing

"AIR CANADA" SCAM

"Take our survey"

HOROSCOPE SCAM

"Your stunning horoscope at no charge"

NETFLIX BILLING PROBLEM

Cell phone text scam

INHERITANCE SCAM

Snail mail scam
(If it seems too good to be true, it usually is!)

ROGERS E-MAIL PROBLEM

"You will be blocked"

A COVID-19 scam

Looking for Bitcoin donations