New Westminster police are warning residents to be cautious following reports of two separate scams targeting residents in the city.
Last week, police were notified about scammers impersonating Microsoft employees and contacting residents about the security of their computers and software. The callers allegedly gain the trust of the victims and convince them to make some changes to their computer’s settings to allow the scammers to access it from a remote location, according to a media release from New Westminster police.
Once able to log on the computer, the scammer is able to access everything contained within the computer. Often the caller also requests a password or credit card information “in order to pay for this apparent service,” the release stated.
Police say Microsoft, like many businesses, does not make unsolicited or cold calls to clients in order to make changes to computer security settings or fix software.
“People should never provide any personal information including credit card numbers, passwords, social insurance numbers or anything of that nature to anyone over the phone,” said Sgt. Chad Johnston, spokesperson for the New Westminster Police Department.
The second scam recently reported to police involves emails from what appears to be a friend. According to the email, the “friend” had to make a last minute trip overseas and was the victim of a robbery, leaving them without an identification or money.
“The message includes key statements about having reported the crime to police as well as the foreign consulate in an effort to add some legitimacy to the scam before requesting “2,000 Euros” to help the friend pay bills to leave the country,” the release stated.
Police allege the scammers are hacking legitimate emails to send recipients what appear to be genuine requests for help.
“If you receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to be a friend and asking for money, take the time to contact your friend by phone or in person to verify the legitimacy of the request,” Johnston said.
Anyone who may have been a victim of either scam is asked to contact New Westminster police at 604-525-5411.
