NEW Westminster Police are warning residents about remote access scams after a resident noticed unauthorized access to his cryptocurrency wallet on his phone.

Remote access scams are sometimes known as the tech support scam. Often these scams begin with the victim receiving an unsolicited phone call or clicking on a pop-up while browsing the web. Fraudsters then trick victims into downloading apps that give up total control of their computer or phone to the fraudsters.

Once they have access to your device they can steal your personal information, and access many of your apps including email, banking, and social media. Many victims of the remote access scam also find themselves victims of identity theft. Additionally, fraudsters may ask the victim to pay a ransom to gain control of their device back.

“Any urgent-looking message that pops up while you’re browsing online is a scam,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver on Tuesday. “Don’t click on them and don’t call the number they provide. Finally, never provide remote access to someone who has contacted you unexpectedly.”

The New Westminster Police Department asks that you share this warning with friends and family, so they are aware and know how to protect themselves. If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to your local police and also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides helpful information about trending scams and frauds. You can learn more about how to protect yourself by visiting their website at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca