Ebola Phishing Scams and Malware Campaigns

The Calgary Police Service would like to remind Calgarians to be cautious of scams originating online and through email, especially those referencing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The Service has not yet received any reports of phishing scams related to EVD, but is asking citizens to remain vigilant following an advisory from the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). The NCCIC is a cyber-situational awareness, incident response, and management center run by the department of Homeland Security.

These phishing scams often contain links directing users to websites that collect personal and login information, and in some cases may contain malicious attachments.

Calgarians are reminded of the following tips when online:

• Never open email attachments or links from unknown sources.
• Be suspicious of emails asking for passwords or personal information.
• Use an anti-virus program, firewall, spam blocker and anti-spyware technology.
• Do not send sensitive photographs, personal, financial or confidential information via email.
• Report unsolicited, harassing or offensive email to the internet service provider or customer service department of the source’s email.

If you have been the victim of an email scam, have suffered a loss and are aware of the possible suspect, please call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 to make a report.

If you have received communication that you think may be a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report your suspicions. A report can be filed online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or via phone at 1-888-495-8501.