The Oxford County OPP Detachment is urging all residents to familiarize themselves with the computer virus scam after police investigated an incident at a Zorra Township address.

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, police investigated a fraud after a local resident contacted police. The homeowner believed that they were paying for an anti-virus program and provided remote access to their computer after paying approximately $800, only to be locked out of their computer.

Police are urging everyone that owns a computer to be very skeptical if you receive a pop-up message indicating that your computer is infected with a virus. Please do not click on any links or call any number that is provided. If you should receive a call, please hang up the phone. It’s a SCAM.

Computer users are reminded, that unless you initiate the call, do not allow anyone access to your computer. Don’t give out personal, banking or credit card information to anyone unless you are sure of whom you are dealing with.

Change your passwords frequently as well.

Reputable agencies will not ask for this information unless you have initiated the call.

Tips to protect yourself:

 

  • Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you through an e-mail.
  • 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 click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus.

 

If you received a call from someone indicating that they are calling due to a virus being detected on a computer please hang up the phone and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Filed under: opp, oxford county, scam, zorra township