As part of Fraud Prevention Month, OPP is reminding Ontarians to be vigilant against fraud threats, including spoofed emails and ransomware attacks.
These evolving fraud tactics are designed to steal personal information, compromise business accounts, and redirect payments. Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods, making it essential for the public to stay informed and cautious.
Spoofed emails and fake websites are often made to look legitimate, mimicking well-known organizations like financial institutions, government agencies, or major companies. These fraudulent messages can contain copied logos, branding, and even altered email addresses or domains to appear trustworthy. Examples include slight changes like “opp.com” instead of “opp.ca” or the use of lookalike characters.
Ransomware attacks, which can lock systems or encrypt files, are another growing concern. These attacks often start with phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments. Once activated, ransomware can remain undetected before locking critical files or demanding payment.
To protect against fraud, the OPP advises Ontarians avoid clicking suspicious links, report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), and use multi-factor authentication on sensitive accounts. Victims of fraud should consult the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) for guidance.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)