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Halton police are warning people to be suspicious of any calls received from people claiming to be employed by a computer company and alleging the resident's computer has a virus. Police issuing warning on computer repair scam This will be someone looking to defraud you of money to fix a problem that they created. Halton Regional Police 5 | Friday, March 8, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Known as the Anti-Virus Scam, this has been taking place for several years, according to police. Between March 2011 and last August, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre logged 13,842 complaints -- with a total dollar loss of $814,511. In most cases, these calls are originating from call centres outside of Canada. As part of this scam, the resident is instructed to do a series of keyboard commands that would allow the caller to remotely access the computer over the internet and actually install the so-called virus to make the computer appear to be infected. The caller would then remove the virus and request credit card payment of anywhere between $35 and $469 for their services. In some instances, the same person will call back and report the resident's version of security software is now expired and then request an additional $100 to have it re-activated. If anyone receives an unsolicited call from people saying their computer is infected with a virus or alleging a version of security software is inactive or invalid, they are urged to hang up. "This will be someone looking to defraud you of money to fix a problem that they created," said Halton Regional Police spokesperson Sgt. Dave Cross. 1 5 T H A N N I V E R S A RY S A L E O N N O W ! Sgt. Dave Cross It's important to know that allowing a third party to download software or remotely access a computer carries inherent risks. "Key loggers or other malicious software could be installed to capture sensitive data such as online banking user names and passwords, bank account information and other information to steal your identity," said Cross. Police are also reminding members of the public to be very careful about providing credit card and/or banking information to anyone over the phone or Internet, especially in cases where a call is unsolicited. With March being Fraud Awareness Month, police ask residents to take time to educate themselves, family and friends about how not to become victims of fraud. For more information, visit www.haltonpolice. ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. SHOE DOCTOR Custom Orthotics By Registered Chiropodist Covered By Most Insurance Plans " designer Upscale furniture at a price you can live with 10,000 SQ. FT. SHOWROOM www.joshuacreekfurniture.com 1029 Speers Road, Oakville (Speers & 4th Line) T. 905.842.3739 HOURS: MON. TO WED. 10-6 · THURS. & FRI. 10-8, SATURDAY 10-6 · SUNDAY CLOSED " · Designer shoe and purse repair · Luggage repair · Custom shoes made to measure 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville 905-842-0715 www.shoedoctors.ca IN OAKVILLE PLACE MALL