ORILLIA – Members of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti Rackets Branch are warning computer users of a variation on so-called ‘ransom-ware’ that is hitting close to home.
‘Ransom-ware’ is a fraudulent threat to online security has been around since 2006 but only surfaced in Canada in late-2011. This malware is first installed by visiting malicious websites set up by criminals. The ransom-ware produces what has been called a “Police Trojan” or “scareware” because a notice pops up that appears to come from a law enforcement agency. Two recent complaints indicate the well-known O.P.P. shoulder flash – the logo seen on the uniforms of provincial police officers – is on the pop-up to amplify the perceived threat and come between unaware people and their money.
The message is a false accusation of accessing child pornography or other file-sharing websites and subsequently tells the consumer that a fee needs to be paid via money transfer or credit card to unlock the computer. When the victim submits their payment details, the criminals then steal and use personal information, fueling further criminal activities.
In 2013, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) received 2828 reports from Canadian consumers who have reported receiving the ransomware pop‐up message. Of those, 129 victims were identified as having lost a total of more than $15,800.00 – roughly $122.50 per victim. In some instances, complainants indicated children were using popular social media sites when the ransomware message appeared while others saw the pop-up threat while viewing free TV online. This infection is easily distributed tens of thousands of times and relies on the fact that even if only two per cent fall victim to the scam, it is still a very good rate of return. It’s believed more than 97 per cent of victims are reluctant to report the crime.
Signs that you may have encountered ransom-ware: – A pop‐up message or banner with a ransom request. – A user cannot usually access anything on the computer beyond the screen. – Sending money outside the traditional or mainstream banking system. – Sending money to “unlock” a computer. Tips to protect yourself from ransom-ware: – Never click on a pop-up that claims your computer has a virus. – Update your anti-virus software often and scan your computer for viruses regularly. – Don’t click on links or attachments in e-mails sent to you by someone you don’t know. – Turn on your browser’s pop-up blocking feature. – Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you in an e-mail.If you suspect you or someone you know has been affected by ransom-ware, contact your local police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.
QUOTES
“I find it very concerning and that the criminal use of the OPP logo requires investigation. Always use common sense and be very suspicious of ransom-ware messages.”– Deputy Commissioner Scott TOD, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime
“Ransom-ware rips data and personal information needed to fuel further criminal activities, such as credit card fraud and routing payments to offshore accounts from the victim’s computer. The best way to go is to stay away from suspicious websites in the first place.”– Detective Inspector Paul Beesley, OPP Anti-Rackets Branch
