RCMP warns of wire transfer scam – Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba RCMP are warning the public about Interac wire transfer scams, which they say are becoming more common.

Mounties said victims receive emails from someone trying to send them an electronic transfer. The email appears to be legitimate at first glance, RCMP said. If the recipient clicks on the link and enters their bank credentials, fraudsters can steal their bank login information and gain access to their account.

“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so extra caution is needed before accepting an electronic transfer,” the RCMP said in a press release Thursday.

Mounties can avoid this problem by setting up automatic deposit, so money sent via electronic transfer is automatically deposited into the account without the recipient logging in to receive the transfer.

People are also advised not to click on any links unless an electronic transfer is expected, to check such emails carefully, to use strong passwords for financial websites and to be aware of sharing personal information online that could be used by hackers. access to accounts.

Mounties are advising victims of fraud to report the crime to the police.

Winnipeg police warned people last week about a text scam masquerading as a photo ID. The police-like text accuses the reader of speeding and refers to paying a ticket. In March, a similar text-based scam suggested a traffic radar reader was speeding in a school zone.

A similar text to Manitoba Hydro was sent in February. Police said at the time that there were no victims of the scam.