WEST PERTH – Police say a West Perth resident is out tens of thousands of dollars after becoming the latest local victim of the Gift Card Scam.
Perth County OPP were contacted around 9:45 a.m. on July 21 by a 55-year-old West Perth resident, who reported they were the victim of a fraud.
“It was determined (the victim) allowed remote access to banking to an unknown individual,” stated a July 24 media release. “The victim continued to withdraw cash to pay for gift cards.”
Police say the victim lost roughly $40,000.
Police are urging everyone that owns a computer to be very skeptical if you receive a phone call or pop-up message indicating that there are issues with any of your accounts or computer.
“Please do not allot anyone access to your computer and do not call any number that is provided. Hang up the phone, it’s a scam.”
Computer users are reminded that, unless you initiate the call, do not allow anyone access to your computer. Don’t give out personal, banking or credit card information to anyone unless you are sure of whom you are dealing with.
For more information on fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
