Local RCMP have recently become aware of a cybercrime that's targeting people in Airdrie. On November 1, a city resident reported that a telephone call was received from a man who said he was calling from the Microsoft Windows Operating System Service Center. The man said the resident's computer had been sending error messages and corrupted files to the service centre. The caller offered to fix the problem and asked the resident to log onto their home computer so he could provide assistance.

Fortunately, in this case, the resident became suspicious and asked for the caller's information. Once the man provided a name and phone number, the resident told him a police check would be made and the caller quickly hung up. Cst. Francine Hennelly of the Airdrie RCMP says in another case, one of their members was targeted.

Hennelly says, keep in mind that companies such as Microsoft do not make unsolicited phone calls or send e-mails to help fix your computer.

Cybercriminals often use the names of well-known companies in their scams, hoping that they will convince you to give them money or your personal information. While they usually use email to trick you, they do sometimes use the telephone to advise that someone from Technical Support will help you fix your computer or solve computer problems. Once these crooks have gained your trust, they will attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malicious software including viruses and spyware. Never give out any personal details.

Further tips on how to avoid being a victim of scams and fraudulent activity is available on the RCMP website at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.