Steinbach RCMP would like residents to be aware that fraudulent emails are being received with the subject line “Notice to Appear” and similar variances. These emails use “address spoofing” to make them appear legitimate.
Police say that it is not common practice for courts to notify people via e-mail of required appearances. The fraudulent emails are designed to panic the recipient into opening the email and/or any attachment(s).
If the email and/or attachment(s) are opened a virus program known as malware will be automatically installed on the recipients computer. Once installed, the malware can monitor online activity and access personal information from the recipients computer.
In a recent case, the culprit(s) were able to obtain enough information to contact the recipients financial institution, answer all the security questions and subsequently remove an undisclosed amount of money.
RCMP warn the public that maintaining a record of passwords and answers to security questions on a computer is ill advised.
Residents can access further information by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: www.antifraudcentre.ca.
