News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Monday, August 13, 2018   Public Advisory – Financial Security Alert Scams   The Winnipeg Police Service wishes to remind the public of phishing scams involving fraudulent 'security alert' text messages.   Your mobile phone may receive an unsolicited text message that has a sense of urgency and/or warnings that your bank account will be closed or your access limited. These are often scams and examples can be seen below:     Clicking the website link will take you to a fraudulent portal pretending to be the bank and may ask you to enter a username/password or personal information.   It is important to note that these messages may appear to come from your own name or phone number. These phishing attempts may also come in the form of a money request such as "…has sent you money, click here to receive it".   Below are some steps that can be used to help avoid these scams:   - Never click on any link in any text message that you were not expecting.   - Watch out for look-alike web addresses. Just because an address has the name of a real company in it, doesn't mean it's legitimate.   - If you aren't sure about a message or think it may be legitimate, go directly to the website of the business and check for any notifications there. If you don't see anything, call the company directly.   - Go over these tips with any individual (including friends or family) who you feel may be susceptible to a scam like this.   These scams can be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here:   http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/   For further information contact either:    Constable Rob Carver, Public Information Officer    Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer    Constable Tammy Skrabek, Public Information Officer    Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs        Phone: (204) 986-3061 | Fax: (204) 986-3267 | Email: WPS-PIO@Winnipeg.ca Share this mailing with your social network by clicking on the appropriate link:       Related Winnipeg Police Service Report a Crime Online Crime Stoppers CrimeStat Unsubscribe If you do not want to receive these emails anymore, unsubscribe.        Please do not reply to this email. This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address and replies are not monitored. Mailing address: City of Winnipeg, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 1B9 Privacy Statement The City of Winnipeg values your privacy. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties. You are receiving this email as a result of your signing up for the Winnipeg Police Service Email News list offered on the City of Winnipeg website. You may unsubscribe or change your subscription options at any time.