How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – On December 12, the New Westminster Police Department responded to a report of a local resident defrauded of $3,000 through an Interac e-Transfer scam. The incident occurred during an attempt to sell an item on an online marketplace.
These scams often involve fraudulent emails that appear to be legitimate Interac e-Transfer notifications. Victims are prompted to click a link and enter their banking credentials. Once the scammers obtain this information, they gain unauthorized access to the victim’s bank account, enabling them to withdraw large sums of money.
“We strongly recommend setting up Autodeposit to protect yourself,” said Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “With Autodeposit enabled, any Interac e-Transfer sent to your email address will go directly into your bank account, bypassing the need to click on email links.”
Tips to Avoid Interac e-Transfer Scams:
- Be cautious with unexpected emails. Do not click on Interac e-Transfer emails unless you’re expecting to receive money.
- Watch for clearly fraudulent email addresses. Scammers often use email addresses with misspelled company names or generic domains that do not match the sender’s purported organization.
- Verify email details carefully. A personalized message does not guarantee the email’s legitimacy.
- Use strong passwords. This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
When buying or selling on online marketplace, cash is a safer payment method as it is immediately verifiable. To ensure safety, consider meeting in well-lit, public areas, such as the New Westminster Police Department lobby.
For additional resources and advice on protecting yourself from fraud, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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CONTACT PERSON: Hailey Finnigan
PHONE: 604-529-2576
FILE: 24-20720
