The RCMP would like to warn the public about the latest scam affecting many Canadians including residents of the East Kootenay.

The Cranbrook/Kimberley RCMP have received reports from residents that they have been locked out of their computer and received pop-up message which often has a photo of you, taken by your computer, stating that their computer has been frozen by police for a criminal investigation. In some cases the pop-up provides a list of possible offences, while in other cases the pop-up may list specific offences often from sites that denote images and depictions of content that is adult rated in nature. The message then tells recipients to pay $100 via a payment service provider so their computers can be unlocked.

These warning messages claim to come from the RCMP or other Canadian government agencies, but they DO NOT and it is important that you DO NOT send money. These types of messages, commonly known as Ransomware or Scareware, are designed to create such shock and anxiety that victims respond by sending money quickly. It’s important to note if you send money your computer will not be unlocked and you will never get your money back.

If you receive one of these messages, please be aware that it is a scam – these messages are not being issued by the RCMP. If you’ve been locked out of your computer, it’s an indicator that your system may have been infected with malware and you will need to take steps to address the problem.

For more information about this scam, go to the Ransomware page on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/english/ransomware.html

Tips to protect yourself:
• Never click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus
• 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 download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you in an e-mail
If you’ve received a ransomware / scareware message, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) to report it. For more information and tips about scams and frauds affecting Canadians, please go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website atwww.antifraudcentre.ca/

Cpl. Chris Newel,

Cranbrook/Kimberley RCMP

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