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

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 9 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

Zix 2020 Mid-Year Global Threat Report (10MB PDF)
Reprinted with permission from Zix Corporation
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

IS THIS REALLY
FROM MY BANK?
Think again

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

"TIM HORTONS" SCAM
"Win $200"

"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