Following a local business being defrauded for a hefty amount, police are asking everyone to remain vigilant online.
Perth County OPP are investigating after a Perth East business was defrauded $150,000 US after being hacked online. Police say in a release that officers responded on September 21st to a business on Line 34 in Perth East. The investigation determined that the business was conducting a transaction with another business in Burlington to purchase a machine.
"The buyer sent a wire transfer to the vender via the email they were using to communicate. Allegedly the vender's email was hacked, and the suspect was communicating on that email to the victim. The vender never received the money transfer. The investigation is ongoing," said the release from Perth County OPP.
Police are encouraging everyone to be vigilant online and recognize the warning signs that they may be be being targeted for fraud.
"Always verify all contact information and don't just call a number or email and address that some unknown person provides you with. The name on the caller display may be fraudulent. Give yourself some time to complete your own research. If someone calls you and identifies themselves as a bank representative, hang up and call your local branch to verify the call is legitimate," the released said.
