Toronto Police Prevent Potential $2.9 Million Fraud Loss
Toronto police say officers interrupted a fraud after an Edmonton police alert, preventing a potential loss of about $2.9 million.
Crime Canada newsroomPublished
Status
Warning in effect
Toronto police say they interrupted a fraud in progress on November 5, preventing a potential loss of about $2.9 million after receiving an alert from Edmonton police.
The Toronto Police Service’s Financial Crimes Unit coordinated with 32 Division, and officers went to the victim’s home before any money was transferred, police said.
Caller sought access to computer
According to police, a caller claimed to represent a major telecommunications company and said the company needed access to the victim’s computer to check internet speed. The caller said services were being improved in the neighbourhood.
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Police said the victim installed UltraViewer at the caller’s direction. The application allows someone to access and control a computer remotely. The caller then claimed the computer had problems and viruses and offered to remove them.
The victim was also told to open online banking, supposedly to check for unauthorized withdrawals. When officers arrived, the victim was on a video call with the people involved and was accessing online banking, police said.
Officers explained that the call was a scam and told the victim not to transfer money or authorize transactions. Police said the people on the call disconnected when officers tried to speak with them. Officers also observed activity consistent with continued remote access to the computer. No transactions took place, police said.
Police advice and contact
Police advise against installing remote-access software at an unexpected caller’s direction or using online banking while an untrusted person has access to a device. They recommend ending the call and independently contacting the company using a number from a bill or its official website.
If access has already been provided, police advise disconnecting the device from the internet, contacting the bank immediately using another device and having a reputable professional examine the affected computer before using it for banking again.
Anyone with information can call police at 416-808-2222. Fraud reports can also be submitted online. The case number is 2026-2340164.
About these reports
This article is based on the official statement linked below. Charges are allegations; everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Official source: Toronto Police Service