Your computer contains all of your personal information. If a criminal gains access to your computer, it can have horrible results.
This process is called “phishing.” It is the most common form of computer fraud. Criminals claim to be from a computer company; advise you about errors that are happening on your computer and then offer to fix it, for a cost…and not just financially.
University of David Gerhard says, “Criminals are looking to install software that will sit there and report back to their server or to take over your computer or even bits of your computer. So if somebody says we are calling on behalf of Sasktel, hang up and call them right back. Call Sasktel directly and you know you are talking to them, instead of someone pretending to be from Sasktel.”
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Another form is creating fake websites that require your personal information to sign up or buy items. If you have doubt about a site, there are ways to make sure it’s safe.
Cst. Tyler Buchanan of the Saskatoon RCMP, “One of the biggest sign is at the front of your www dot. There will be an “http”, you want to make sure there is an “s” as well. That means it is a secure website. Also, you will actually see on the top, a picture of a lock.”
Fraudsters get more creative everyday. John Weigelt, National Technology Officer for Mircrosoft Canada says, “One of the most popular ones was an email that claimed to be from Bill Gates, suggesting that if people sent information, they would get money back.
Weigelt tells their customers, “Microsoft does not call consumers and provide advice unsolicited over the phone for their computers. I think that is very important that if you receive this call no that Microsoft is not calling you.”
If any of these situations happen to you or you have been a victim. Contact your local police.
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