Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant against online scams following an incident that cost a woman living in the Trail area of $6,000.
On Friday, the Trail RCMP received a call from the 71-year-old victim, who reportedly had been targeted by fraudsters using a sophisticated computer scam.
The cyber crime began when a pop-up message appeared on her computer, claiming to be from a legitimate tech company.
The message instructed her to call a 1-800 number for assistance.
When she called, a supposed "technician" informed her that her computer had allegedly been used for online crimes.
Under this false pretense, the scammer convinced her to grant remote access to her computer, claiming it was necessary to resolve the issue.
Once they had access, the fraudster persuaded the woman to provide her banking details and facilitated the transfer of $6,000 into a cryptocurrency digital wallet.
After realizing she had been defrauded, the woman contacted her bank and installed antivirus software on her computer.
Unfortunately, the stolen funds were not recoverable.
"This is a current scam that is tricking a lot of people these days," advises Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
"Never allow anyone remote access to your computer or download anything that they send to you."
A reliable antivirus program is a worthwhile investment to help protect against these kinds of attacks, he adds.
"If you own a computer, phone, or tablet, it is worth the investment."
The RCMP advises all residents to stay informed about ongoing scams and take steps to safeguard their devices and personal information.
For resources and tips on protecting yourself from fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it immediately to your local RCMP detachment and your financial institution.
