In a concerted effort to protect the public, law enforcement authorities are issuing a formal warning regarding the misuse of new technology by highly adaptive fraudsters in their illicit activities. The primary objective is to empower Canadians with an understanding of various strategies employed by fraudsters, thereby equipping them to effectively combat cyber-enabled fraud. The revelation of some of the most prevalent tactics employed by fraudsters is aimed at preventing further victimization within the Canadian populace.
Among the deceptive methods utilised by fraudsters, the use of QR codes is highly prevalent. These individuals may present themselves as service providers, government entities, or financial institutions and instead of urging individuals to click on a link or download an attachment, they instruct victims to scan a QR code. This may lead potential victims to harmful websites or facilitate payments to fraudsters, particularly concerning cryptocurrency transfers via automated teller machines (ATMs).
Additionally, fraudsters engage in a practice known as spoofing, wherein they deceptively create the impression that you are communicating with trusted individuals or legitimate businesses and organisations. This duplicitous act may involve manipulating the caller-ID on a phone, the sender address in an email, or the creation of counterfeit websites to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Phishing represents another tactic commonly utilised by fraudsters, involving the use of various communication channels such as email, phone calls, or text messages to deceive individuals into divulging personal information under the guise of legitimate entities. Urgent or coercive language may be employed to compel individuals to share sensitive details, which can then be exploited for identity theft or unauthorised access to personal or business accounts.
Additionally, scam artists frequently employ pop-up messages on computers or devices as a means of deceiving individuals with false claims, such as winning a prize or the dissemination of spurious virus alerts, accompanied by a toll-free number to contact. Engaging with these pop-ups can result in the installation of malicious software or the redirection of users to fraudulent websites.
Moreover, fraudsters convince victims to download remote entry software or applications, which, once installed, grant these individuals complete control over the victim’s device. This can lead to the theft of personal data, access to social media accounts, and unauthorised entry into online banking accounts.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to exacerbate cyber-enabled fraud, particularly with the emergence of deepfakes that can be convincingly disseminated across social media platforms. This advanced technological development equips fraudsters with new tools for creating deceptive content, including text messages, images, audio, video, and data.
In the event that an individual falls victim to cybercrime or fraud, it is imperative to report such incidents to local law enforcement or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) through the Online Reporting System or by phone. Reporting to the CAFC is encouraged even in instances where no financial loss has been incurred.
To further support the public in identifying, rejecting, and reporting incidents of fraud, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be disseminating tips and resources via online platforms. The public is encouraged to actively engage in this initiative on social media, utilising hashtags such as #FPM2024 and #kNOwfraud. Through collective awareness and vigilance, Canadians can effectively thwart the efforts of fraudsters who seek to exploit advanced technology for their illicit gains.