HomeSecurity ArchitectureCalgary Police Warn of Significant Rise in Cybercrime

Calgary Police Warn of Significant Rise in Cybercrime

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Calgary police have reported a significant increase in cybercrime incidents, with a more than 50 per cent rise in comparison to the previous year. According to Acting Sgt. Jeanie Gilmore of the CPS cyber crimes unit, the most common types of cybercrimes reported include investment scams, romance scams, impersonation scams, and employment scams.

In a recent Calgary Police Commission meeting, data revealed that there were 43 ransomware attacks in the city last year, which is a notable increase from the 28 attacks reported in 2023. One of the major ransomware attacks targeted the Calgary Public Library, resulting in the temporary closure of branches across the city. Despite the various types of cybercrimes reported, the most financially damaging ones involve cryptocurrencies.

Calgarians lost a total of $42.8 million in cryptocurrency-related cybercrimes in 2024, compared to $28.5 million in the previous year. The cybercrimes unit emphasized the importance of being cautious when dealing with investments that promise high and fast returns, as well as conducting thorough research before committing to any financial transactions.

Acting Sgt. Gilmore highlighted some common tactics used by scammers, such as creating fake websites to show false account balances and returns to the victims. The scams often continue until the victim tries to withdraw money, at which point the scammers may request additional payments for various reasons, ultimately leading to a complete shutdown of communication and the fraudulent website.

To protect oneself from falling victim to cybercrimes, Gilmore advised individuals to be skeptical of high-return offers, immediate financial requests, and unsolicited calls claiming to be from legitimate institutions or family members. She recommended conducting a quick online search to verify the legitimacy of websites or investment opportunities and to always contact the relevant party directly using verified contact information.

The concern raised by the police commission is that the actual number of cybercrimes may be higher than reported, as many victims may be hesitant to come forward. There have been cases where Calgarians lost their entire life savings to online scams, highlighting the devastating impact of cybercrimes on individuals and families.

In the event of falling victim to a cybercrime, Gilmore stressed the importance of contacting the police immediately and providing as much information as possible to aid in the investigation. By raising awareness about the prevalence of cybercrimes and educating the public on how to protect themselves, law enforcement hopes to reduce the impact of these fraudulent activities in the future.

Overall, the rise in cybercrimes in Calgary serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant online, conducting thorough research, and seeking professional advice when dealing with financial matters. It is essential for individuals to be proactive in safeguarding their personal information and assets from potential cyber threats to prevent falling victim to scams and fraudulent activities.

As the authorities continue to investigate cybercrimes and offer support to victims, the collaboration between law enforcement and the community is crucial in combating the growing threat of online scams and financial fraud.

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