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Cybercrime

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Mounties launch new online option to report fraud and cybercrime

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The RCMP want to make it easier for Canadians to report cybercrime and fraud.

Mounties say the information gathered on the new Report Cybercrime and Fraud website will help police solve cases and disrupt criminal activity.

The information gathered from these reports is geared to form a more complete picture of how these threats are affecting Canadians and ultimately prevent further victimization.

“The idea behind this is to simplify the process,” says Jeff Horncastle with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. “The new system offers a range of reporting options depending on the type of incident that the user has experienced and how much knowledge they have about fraud or cybercrime.”

He adds users can report for themselves, others or for businesses and organizations.

As well, the new system is not a replacement for existing reporting channels so the call centre will remain open.

It is estimated that less than 10 per cent of cybercrimes and fraud are reported in Canada, possibly due to embarrassment, fear of reputational damage, or a lack of awareness of what resources are available.

The RCMP says allowing people to do report online and anonymously on the new system will help bring those numbers up.

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Cybercriminals Continue To Target Residents

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Provincial Police are asking you to be mindful of cybercrime.

OPP say as digital technology advances, the cyber realm becomes easier for criminals to exploit and extort victims.

Police say Canadians have lost more than $43 million so far this year to cybercriminals and they stand to lose even more.

There are two common scams to be aware of.

Phishing is a crime that targets victims by simulating a legitimate message from a bank, government department or some other organization.

The attempt is to get confidential information that can be used for criminal purposes.

Another form is a ransomware attack.

That occurs when a cybercriminal infects a victim’s computer system with malware that encrypts the data on the system.

That makes the computer inaccessible and unusable.

Cybercriminals will then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.

If you suspect you have been a victim of any digital or online cybercrime, you should contact local police, OPP, Crime Stoppers or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.