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Woodstock police warn of new employment, computer scams

Woodstock police are warning the public of two new scams that have surfaced in the area lately.

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Woodstock police are warning the public of two scams that have surfaced in the area lately.

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In one instance, an individual posted an ad looking for work. They were contacted by a scammer, who said they were looking for an assistant, with duties that included depositing cheques. The scammer and job seeker never met in person, police said.

Police report that after the job seeker deposited a cheque, the dollar amount was removed from the individual’s bank account, rather than added. The job seeker then lost contact with the scammer after the funds had been removed from their account.

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In another scam, police said they received a report of a person seeing a pop up window on their computer with the message that the computer had been hacked. The pop up directed them to call a phone number to remove the virus. When the user called the number, two scammers said the individual needed to buy Google gift cards at several stores, and to remain on the line and lie to store staff if the purchase was questioned.

Woodstock police offer the following tips to stay safe and protected online:

  • Don’t click unfamiliar links or call unfamiliar phone numbers.
  • Close out of pop ups.
  • Install virus protection software on your computer.
  • Get to know a new employer before working for them if you apply for or are scouted for a position online.
  • Banks and other businesses will not require you to make a payment via Google or iTunes gift cards. Many stores train their staff to questions individuals buying large quantities these gift cards.
  • Do not give out any personal information online.
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