kijiji Scam RCMP OPP and LOCAL POLICE WARN PUBLIC of kijiji Scams
Complaint 321527 Details

E-mail Fraud / Phishing

Recognize it

What is Phishing?

photo of credit card on keyboardPhishing is a general term for e-mails, text messages and websites fabricated and sent by criminals and designed to look like they come from well-known and trusted businesses, financial institutions and government agencies in an attempt to collect personal, financial and sensitive information. It's also known as brand spoofing.

Facts

Characteristics

The content of a phishing e-mail or text message is intended to trigger a quick reaction from you. It can use upsetting or exciting information, demand an urgent response or employe a false pretense or statement. Phishing messages are normally not personalized.
Typically, phishing messages will ask you to "update", "validate", or "confirm" your account information or face dire consequences. They might even ask you to make a phone call.
Often, the message or website includes official-looking logos and other identifying information taken directly from legitimate websites. Government, financial institutions and online payment services are common targets of brand spoofing.
Catch phrases:

E-mail Money Transfer Alert: Please verify this payment information below…
It has come to our attention that your online banking profile needs to be updated as part of our continuous efforts to protect your account and reduce instances of fraud…
Dear Online Account Holder, Access To Your Account Is Currently Unavailable…
Important Service Announcement from…, You have 1 unread Security Message!
We regret to inform you that we had to lock your bank account access. Call (telephone number) to restore your bank account.
Example of a Phishing E-mail