By Cst. Jean-Pierre Latour, Nunavik Police Service

With the growing use of the Internet and social media, the people of Nunavik are being targeted by online scams and cybersecurity fraud. These scams come in a variety of forms, and understanding how criminals operate may help to keep you, your family and your money safe.

Parental controls to protect your children

Parents and older siblings need to be aware of parental controls on most electronic devices and social media platforms. It is important to activate these parental controls before letting your children access the Internet. It is the first level of protection to make sure these young eyes are not exposed to inappropriate content. Not everyone on the Internet has good intentions. Social media or online games are used by criminals to get close to your kids, so be aware of what your children access on the Internet, and make sure online ‘friends’ are people you want your kids to be in contact with.

Never send money to someone you only meet online

People in Nunavik have been victims of internet relationship or romance scams. Typically, the victim meets someone online (through a dating app, social media, or online game) and starts a friendship. The scammer will use information about you that they find online (your profile, your posts) to better know you and gain your trust. These scams may last for months, and some victims eventually fall in love with this person. Conversations usually take place only by text and rarely with video (although AI technology is making it easier for scammers to change their voice and video appearance). The friend is usually someone who travels a lot for work, and someone who has difficulty contacting the victim on a regular basis for extended periods of time. The friend will eventually have an investment opportunity or claim a personal tragedy where they need money from the victim. The scammer will ask for a direct transfer of money or to send prepaid cards.

If you send money, you may be contacted by a person who seems willing to help you to get your money back. Do not trust them; this is the second part of the original scam.

Also, do not send intimate pictures of yourself or expose yourself in front of a webcam because the images may be posted on social media for everyone to see. Scammers may ask for money to take them down (sextortion).

Purchasing scams may involve the purchase of alcohol from another place besides the SAQ or Marché Turenne, or the purchase of marijuana from somewhere besides the SQDC. If you try to purchase these products elsewhere online, you know you are dealing with someone who is breaking the law, so don’t expect them to be honest. You do not have recourse if you get scammed trying to purchase something illegally. Also, you cannot be sure of the quality of the items you buy.

Also, if you see an expensive item like a snowmobile or four-wheeler offered online at a great discount, and the seller asks for a deposit to make sure you don’t miss out, be very careful. You may end up losing thousands of dollars and never receive your item. It is better to purchase it from a real business. And, if the seller offers to ship the item for free, this is a red flag, knowing the high freight charges in Nunavik. Pressuring you to buy (‘last one,’ ‘another buyer is looking’) is also a red flag. Decide on your own time, and don’t get pressured.

Protect yourself, and make sure your settings on social media are set for ‘friends’ and not ‘public’ and choose only friends that you know in real life.

Income tax scams are becoming more common. The Canada Revenue Agency and Revenue Québec will only communicate with you by regular mail. If you receive a call, a text message, an email or other form of communication, you will know it is a scam. If you are asked to pay your tax bill by direct transfer or with prepaid cards, it is a scam. If you are threatened with arrest or seizure of your property, it is definitely a scam. If you owe money to the government, you have the option of paying through your bank or by bill payment.

Police bailout scams involve someone asking you to send money to get someone close to you released from jail. They may use a relative’s voice (now recordable with AI technology). In Nunavik, to be released on bail, a money order made out to the Minister of Finance is provided to the police. Cash or direct payments are not accepted. Make sure you are speaking directly with a police officer, and search online for the police force that legitimately may be trying to reach you, and call to confirm before sending any money.

Cryptocurrency scams are also popular, and scammers are finding new ways to steal your money. A favorite tactic is ‘pump and dump’ where a well-known public figure promotes a new crypto. When people eventually buy enough, the scammer keeps your money, closes the site and becomes unreachable. Before you consider using or investing in cryptocurrency, know what makes it different from cash and other payment methods. To steer clear of a crypto con, remember that only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency, and never trust people who promise that you can quickly and easily make money in crypto markets.

Keep your information safe by changing your password regularly, and keeping it secret. No honest person will ask for your password.

Cst. Jean-Pierre Latour is a Crime Prevention Officer with the Nunavik Police Service. He travels throughout Nunavik to provide presentations that help Nunavimmiut to avoid financial scams and cybersecurity fraud.
© Nunavik Police Service