The OPP is warning Ontarians about a fraud scheme that is becoming very common.
The tactic relies on sending text messages to victims. It's known as "smishing", a combination of "SMS" or "short message service" and phishing.
The scam relies on deceptive text messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or calling fraudulent numbers.
Messages sent often appear to be from financial institutions, the government or online retailers. Clicking on these links can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or malware being installed on your device.
Police say there are ways to protect yourself. Don't click on unknown links or reply to messages from unknown numbers or senders. Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). Delete suspicious messages right away. Use multi-factor authentication for banking, social media and other sensitive accounts.
You can also verify any unexpected text messages by checking official websites or contacting organizations directly.
If you are a victim of smishing frauds, ensure to review the CAFC guide on What to do if you're a victim of fraud.
For more information on fraud prevention, visit opp.ca and sfo.opp.ca.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online via the Fraud Reporting System.
