Cornwall Community Police Issue a Fraud Alert for online scams

Cornwall Ontairo — Cornwall Community Police warn: “Scammers” are preying on people that have just made a lot of online purchases on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are several scam campaigns being sent right now.

Be on the lookout for “Shipping Problem” emails from from Purolator, Canada Post, FedEx, UPS or the US Mail, where the email claims they tried to deliver a package from (for instance Apple Computer) but could not deliver due to an incomplete address. “Please click on the link to correct the address and you will get your package.” If you do, your computer is likely to get infected with malware. (Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.) Warn everyone in the family, especially teenagers.

Watch out for alerts via a TEXT to your smartphone that “confirm delivery” from Purolator, Canada Post, FedEx, UPS or the US Mail, and then asks you for some personal information. Don’t enter anything.

Also, there is a fake refund scam going on that could come from a big retailer. It claims there was a “wrong transaction” and wants you to “click for refund” but instead, your device will be infected with malware.

Especially in these times, Think Before You Click!