Banking scam triggers Manitoba RCMP to warn public

Interac e-transfer scams are becoming more prevalent, prompting the Manitoba RCMP to issue a PSA to citizens to exercise extra caution.

Police say that in these instances, the victim receives an email which appears to be from someone trying to send them an Interac e-transfer. At first glance, the e-transfers appear legitimate, and when the victim clicks on the link and enters their banking credentials, the scammers can steal the banking login information. This gives scammers access to accounts that allow them to withdraw large sums of money.

Corporal Julie Courchaine with Manitoba RCMP says that awareness is the key to avoiding getting scammed.

"Talk to people, talk to your family members, get that information out, and I hope that, we save some people from getting defrauded."

She notes that she, too, gets calls, texts, and emails daily, which are seeking her information. 

Julie Courchaine.

"It's angering and frustrating, and so, do what we can to prevent that. We hope that when some of these happen and people call in, we can track it down and lay charges." 

As scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated, here are some tips on what to look out for:

• If you are not expecting any money, don't click on links and try to deposit money 
• Check the email closely, even though it may be personally addressed, it does not mean it is legitimate 
• Use Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit. If you have Autodeposit set up, Interac e-Transfer transactions sent to your email address will automatically be deposited into your bank account, 
• Autodeposit is the secure way to accept Interac e-Transfer. 
• Create strong passwords 
• Be conscious about what you share online, including personal identifiable information that hackers can use to access your accounts. 

Even if you are not defrauded but have received a scam, pass on that info to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, as they track the up-and-coming scams, adds Courchaine. 

"Sometimes we feel ashamed of something like this happening, like, 'Oh, how did I get caught with this?' But it's happening all the time to all different groups of people. So, if you are defrauded, please report it. That helps us track it."

For more information on protecting yourself from fraud and scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud-Centre.