Thursday, August 23, 2012

FRAUD WARNING
A North Bay resident while on the internet had a pop-up appear that had a video of an older male with a female that appears to be about 18years of age. They were depicted in an intimate pose, and then a full screen warning appeared with an official looking banner headed “POLICE CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION DIVISION”. The banner appears legitimate and may have been copied from a Government of Canada website.

The warning states that the user is in violation of several sections of the criminal code because they had been viewing child pornography. Further down the page it states that in order to avoid prosecution and to unlock the computer, the user must click on a link and pay $100 to the state.

The program freezes the computer, leading the user to believe that making the payment will free it up, but it doesn’t.

This is a fraudulent program that is designed to create panic and shame, so the user will pay the $100 to avoid possible prosecution and public ridicule. There is no basis to believe that the appearance of this pop-up is in any way connected to child pornography. Anyone who has this pop-up appear is advised not to make any payment, report it, and to take measures to purge the program from their computer.

TEAM-UP for CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
North Bay Parks and Recreation along with North Bay Police are utilizing their summer students in a “team up for clean up” campaign. The students will target areas littered with trash and inappropriate graffiti. The goal is not only to beautify the city but also to encourage the residents of North Bay and Callander to do their part in cleaning up their respective neighbourhoods.

Anyone with information on these or any other crimes are asked to call Near north Crime Stoppers at 476-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222TIPS (8477). Submit tip online at our website www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com. All tipsters remain anonymous.