Article content
LaSalle police are warning the public abut a text messaging scam purporting to be a message from Service Canada.
Police say the phishing scam is targeting local seniors, claiming the recipient’s CPP and OAS benefits have been suspended.
The text states the “matter requires your immediate attention for a swift resolution” and asks the recipient to reply to the text message.
Article content
“This will allow us to investigate and correct the issue promptly,” the scam message states.
The fraudsters list a verified CRA phone number to make the text message look legitimate but once the recipient replies to the message, the fraudsters then send a fake CPP-related hyperlink, police said in a tweet Monday on the social media platform X.
It goes on to say, “We recognize that this interruption may be concerning, and we are committed to resolving it quickly. Your prompt response will help ensure your benefits are reinstated without delay.
“Thank you for your cooperation and immediate attention to this matter.”
The fake CPP-related hyperlink takes the recipient to a realistic impersonation of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and banking websites and asks for personal information to sign in to the fraudulent website.
Police warn not to reply in any way to the text message, click on the link or provide any personal or financial information.
It’s recommended to always verify the source of a sender and any phone number provided by anyone seeking personal information.
The CRA provides further information regarding this and other scams on their website.
If you believe that you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to the local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm.
Share this article in your social network
