Toronto police have successfully prevented a potential $2.9 million fraud, saving a resident from a massive financial loss through a timely intervention at the victim’s home.
Officers arrived while the individual was participating in a video call with an unidentified person who was attempting to gain access to the resident’s online banking account.
According to Toronto police, Edmonton Police Service alerted the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit on Thursday about an ongoing fraud scheme involving approximately $2.9 million in potentially stolen funds.
Following the warning, officers from Toronto Police Division 32 immediately attended the victim’s residence.
Fraudster Posed as Telecommunications Company Representative
Police said the suspect contacted the resident while pretending to represent a major telecommunications company.
The fraudster claimed that the company was working to improve internet services in the neighbourhood and needed remote access to the resident’s computer to test internet speeds.
The suspect instructed the individual to install an application called UltraViewer, which allows another person to remotely access and control a computer.
After gaining access, the fraudster allegedly told the resident that the computer contained several technical problems and viruses that needed to be fixed.
The suspect then instructed the individual to open their online banking account, claiming this would help determine whether any unauthorized transactions had taken place.
Police Arrive While Fraudster Is on Video Call
Toronto police officers reached the residence while the victim was still connected to the suspect through a video call.
At that moment, the fraudster was attempting to access the resident’s online banking account.
Officers immediately informed the individual that they were being targeted in a fraud scheme and instructed them not to transfer money or approve any financial transactions.
When officers attempted to speak with the person on the video call, the suspect disconnected.
Police also observed activity on the victim’s computer indicating that someone might still have been accessing the device remotely.
According to Toronto police, the officers’ timely intervention prevented any financial transaction from taking place, potentially saving the resident from losing $2.9 million.
Police Warn Public About Remote Access Scams
Toronto police have warned residents that fraudsters frequently impersonate employees of telecommunications companies, banks and technology businesses to gain people’s trust.
Once they establish contact, scammers attempt to obtain remote access to computers or mobile devices to steal personal information and financial assets.
Police advise residents never to install remote-access software at the request of an unexpected or unknown caller.
Such applications can allow strangers not only to view a computer screen but also to control the device remotely.
Residents are also advised not to access online banking while an unknown person has remote access to their computers or mobile devices.
If someone claims to represent a particular company, residents should end the call and independently verify the request using the official contact number listed on the company’s website or billing statement.
Police further warn that caller ID information, a recognizable company name or even a video call does not prove that the person contacting someone is genuinely associated with that organization.
Anyone who has already granted suspicious remote access should immediately disconnect the affected device from the internet and contact their bank using a separate, trusted device.
The affected computer should also be examined by a qualified technician before being used again for online banking.
Rogers Also Issues Fraud Warning to Customers
Canadian telecommunications company Rogers has separately reminded customers to remain alert to fraudulent calls and suspicious requests.
The company has clarified that it does not call customers to demand the return of devices that have been sent to them.
Rogers also says it does not send individuals to customers’ homes to collect devices or instruct customers to leave delivered packages unopened.
Toronto police emphasize that residents do not need to wait until they are certain a call is fraudulent before taking action.
The safest approach is to end suspicious calls, independently verify the caller’s identity and never provide strangers with remote access to computers, personal information or financial accounts.
