Internet Safety
> Scams and Hoaxes

Scam Alerts

Email Bank Scams
These scams have a return address that looks like it's YOUR bank . The email asks you to assist them in preventing fraud by logging in to the bank's website to "verify" your online banking information. They provide a link to a page that looks exactly like your bank's login page.

If you receive an email similar to this, be warned that banks don't conduct business in this way. They will never send you an email telling you to login to verify your password information. If you receive an email like this, delete it immediately. If you have already provided your password information as a result of an email like this, notify your bank immediately. Then report the offence to the police.

Nigeria Letter
The so-called "Nigeria Letter scam" has again resurfaced in the form of an email. This scam has been around since the early 1990s in the form of faxes and letters. It has previously targeted businesses but is now being sent to residences or private email addresses. Read consumer alert posted by the Better Business Bureau.

Email Hoaxes

Email Alert Hoax - There have been recent reports of a VISA scam alert being mass emailed that says it was sent by Medicine Hat Police. The alert warns of strangers, posing as VISA staff, calling to verify personal information. Some of the text in the email that should indicate to you that this is a hoax are phrases like "forward this to all your family and friends". Do NOT forward this message. Delete it. This alert was NOT sent by Medicine Hat Police Service.

Medicine Hat Police Service NEVER sends out information by using mass emails. VISA advises that if you receive a phone call from ANYONE, not just financial institutions, who is seeking personal information, DO NOT give them this information. Call the company back at their official number (look on your statements or telephone book) and you may provide the information to them. This is the ONLY way you can verify that you are speaking to the actual company's representatives.

General Hoaxes - These hoaxes ask you to circulate "missing child" bulletins, turn off your computer at certain times, offer medical advice or get-rich schemes. Their origin is often hard to track and it's best to do your homework before you "click" and forward them to everyone on your email list. Some helpful reading material:

CNN news article "Despite warnings, e-mail hoaxes still fooling people" August 11, 2001
Urban Legends and Folklore Research hoaxes before you forward those emails.
Hoaxbusters
Symantec - Hoaxes (Symantec makes Norton Antivirus Products)
Snopes.com - Urban Legends Reference Pages

  Read about other current Hoaxes
compliments of Sophos Antivirus

Reporting Internet Crime
If you receive any suspicious information over the internet that you want to bring to the attention of the Medicine Hat Police please send an e-mail message to "hatcybercop@medicinehat.ca"

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