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RCMP warn of new computer scam

Caution is urged when it comes to allowing an unknown person to access your computer.
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Members of the Nakusp RCMP are asking residents to be aware of a new computer scam that has recently come to the Nakusp area.

One resident reported to RCMP that they were having a problem with their computer and a pop-up advertisement came up on their screen claiming to be a company who could fix the computer, as it apparently had a virus. For a fee of $500 the company would fix it.

The computer owner then gives the company their credit card number along with the permission to access the computer.

“You will actually see them on your computer, you will see the mouse moving and it will look like they’re doing something to your computer,” said Constable Lee Bellamy of the Nakusp RCMP. “In the meantime they can be in the background. If you’ve ever done online banking they can get your passwords, they can get your social insurance number.”

If a customer says what they did didn’t work they’re told there is a money-back guarantee, but instead of sending a $500 cheque, they send a $5,000 cheque.

When the customer receives the cheque they get calls from the company saying there was an error, and need to send the extra $4,500 back. They are given an account number and are told they can deposit the money into the account.

It is later revealed the $5,000 never cleared, and instead of being out $500 the customer is now out $5,000. The account number the money went into can’t be traced because it’s closed almost as soon as the money is put in.

Bellamy said residents should do their best to be alert when doing anything that has to do with online payments, because you don’t know who you’re dealing with on the other end.

“My suggestion is if you have a computer and you think it has a virus, unplug it, shut it down, and take it to a reputable business,” he concluded. “We have two guys here in town that can fix that sort of stuff and do it properly.”