Halifax District RCMP is warning the public of an email scam involving a fake online order that left a victim in Timberlea out of $884.
On February 5, RCMP received a report that a person in Timberlea got an email about an online order. The email stated that if the recipient did not place the order, they should call a phone number identified in the email.
The victim had not made this order, so they called the number provided. When they called the number, the victim was told by a scammer that the purchase was made because they had a weak firewall on their computer. The scammer requested access to the victim's computer remotely which the victim approved. The scammer was then able to convince the victim to purchase a fake four-year subscription for computer monitoring software for $884. The scammer installed a software on the victim's computer.
If you have received a similar email, do not reply or call the number provided.
If you have been a victim of this scam, contact your location police detachment.
If you have called and provided access to your computer, contact a recognized company to check over your computer and ensure any installed software is removed. If you provided credit card information, contact your bank.
Information about common frauds and scams can be found by visiting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website at https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
File # 21-15320
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