Reduce your risk of becoming a Cybercrime victim

During the third week of March 2009, the RCMP will focus on Cybercrime.

Cybercrime is generally recognized as criminal activity in which a computer or network is an essential part of the crime. While everyone is suspicious of unsolicited e-mails and spam, these techniques continue to be successful in victimizing many Canadians. E-mails and website links direct unsuspecting Canadians to respond and willingly provide information that can be used to defraud them of hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of dollars. Often clicking on an e-mail or web page can result in a virus or program being loaded onto your computer resulting in the theft or destruction of important information.

Applying the following advice can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a Cybercrime victim:

• Keeping your computer current with the latest patches and updates;
• Choosing strong passwords and keeping them safe;
• Protecting your computer with security software;
• Ensure encryption is used for wireless Internet;
• Reviewing bank and credit card statements regularly;
• Typing in web links rather than clicking on them;
• Clearing your cache after each use of your Internet web browser.

Contact:
Cst. Ben Doiron
Winnipeg RCMP Commercial Crime Section
Mass Marketing Fraud Coordinator
204-983-7633