Another scam is making the rounds of Kimberley computers. Beware of pop-up screens telling you that your computer has been infected with a virus and do NOT call the number on the screen!

Several Kimberley residents have been victims of this latest scam whereby a pop-up screen advises that the computer being used is infected with a virus and in order to protect the computer, the owner must call a toll free number. Once that number is called, the victim is asked to allow remote access to his/her computer. The victim is then asked for money via credit card payment or money order/bank draft payable to the “repair company” in order for them to remove the supposed computer virus.

Two company names have been used so far – Texas Online and Rick Foster, Online PC Help – but there may be others. The individuals answering the toll-free numbers have had strong East Indian accents.

If you suspect your computer to have been infected with a virus or hacked into, switch off your computer immediately and take it to a trusted professional to have it looked at.

If you have been a victim of this type of crime, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. For more information, visit rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.htm

Kimberley RCMP

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