Phishing

Phishing is the use of fraudulent e-mails and websites designed to deceive recipients into revealing personal financial information such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social insurance numbers etc.

A fraudster initiates a phishing scheme by sending a “legitimate looking” fraudulent e-mail to the consumer. The e-mail closely resembles a legitimate organization which often has wide name recognition and typically inspires trust. The consumer is asked to update information which the identity thief uses to commit fraud.

Tips to avoiding phishing scams:

• Do not give out personal information to unknown persons or organizations over the Internet.
• If you choose to send personal information, ensure you are using a secure web server.
• Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for personal financial information.
• Phishers will use upsetting or false statements to get people to react immediately.
• Phisher e-mails are typically not personalized while valid messages generally are personalized.
• Do not use the links provided on the e-mail.
• Call the company directly or type the legitimate web address for the company if you want to contact the company directly.
• Do not fill out forms that ask for personal financial information.

Phishing sites/e-mails should be reported to the Anti Phishing Working Group.  Residents of the Region of Waterloo who have lost funds in one of these scams should contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service to file a report.  Please report using your phone and calling (519) 653-7700 in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge.  All other areas my dial (519) 570-3000.

If you have sent money through a money wire service, you will need to contact the agency to report the fraudulent transaction. Reporting this to the company will allow police access to the information regarding the destination of the funds.

NOTE: Although funds are sent to a specific location, some money wire services allow the funds to be picked up at other locations world wide, not just where it was sent. 

You should also submit a report with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is operated by the Competition Bureau, RCMP and OPP.  The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre tracks trends in fraud nation wide and is the national call centre for mass marketing fraud and identity theft.

Helpful Links:

• Download Printable Work-at-Home Job Scams Poster
• Canadian Anti Fraud Centre
• If you have responded to a suspected phishing e-mail you may be the victim of identity theft.  For more information, please check our Preventing Identity Theft webpage.