Winkler Police Service continues to receive a significant number fraud reports.
One came from a female who reported October 29th she received several parking notices via text message containing a link to a provincial website which appeared to be legitimate. She made three separate payments, but continued to receive texts. Police advised her this was a scam, and to contact her banking institution and credit card company.
In another instance, reported the week prior, Police received a report from a female who stated her Facebook account was hacked, disabled and then used to purchase bitcoin. She found an online customer support number for Facebook, and provided gift card numbers as payment before realizing the support provider was fraudulent.
Reported the same day, a male indicated he was involved in a romantic relationship with someone overseas, and made multiple financial transactions to the personal. He realized he was being scammed and stopped sending payment, but his Paypal account was hacked and funds continued to be removed. Police provided the male with advice regarding computer safety.
Attempted scams also reported
Meanwhile, Winkler Police noted two attempted scams during its most recent activities report.
In one case the owner of a local business reported he received an invoice for a large amount from a company he was not familiar with. The invoice provided banking information with instructions to wire transfer the money, but due to its suspicious nature, no money was sent. This investigation continues.
In another case a female reported she spoke with someone claiming to be from Microsoft, and granted them access to her computer. The scammer attempted to manipulate their way into her bank account, but the female confirmed with her bank she was not out any money. Police advised her to unplug her computer, and have it examined at a local computer repair store, as well as monitor her bank accounts.
You can read the entire Winkler Police Service activities report for October 21st through November 3rd, here.