Ahh, the Irony. Fraudster Poses as Protector Against Identity Theft

Ahh, the irony. A fraudster in Ontario is reportedly taking advantage of his victims by posing as a government official that's, you guessed it, offering his protective services against identity theft.

The Ontario Consumer Protection Branch says that those who have already received a call report that it's an automated telephone message that warns they might be victims of identity theft, and advises the person to press "9" for help. Someone then comes on the line, asking the person to provide their banking information so their funds can be transferred to a "secure" account (i.e. the fraudster's pocket). The fraudsters claim to be part of the Consumer Protection Bureau of Canada; an institution that actually does not exist!

I must admit: fraudsters are getting clever, now preying on the very fear that has driven people away from being duped by them. Although I have faith that most people should already know this, the Ontario Consumer Protection Branch reiterates that it would never, under any circumstances, transfer someone's money from one account to another; nor request someone's personal banking information.

The Ontario Consumer Protection Branch says that anyone who's received such a call should contact their local police, or Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501. For more information on this, and other scams, call 1-800-889-9768 or locally, 416-326-8800.

[Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/]