The Drumheller Mail

RCMP warn of ransomware scam

Submitted

The Canadian Anti Fraud Center and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Technological Crime Branch have been receiving reports from Canadians who say their computers are being frozen or they have been "locked out" of their computers.  This happens primarily after complainants receive pop-up messages warning them their computers have  been associated with child pornography.
 
These warning messages, which claim to come from the RCMP or other Canadian government agencies, tell recipients to pay $100 dollars via Ukash (a payment service provider) so their computers can be "unlocked".
 
These types of messages, known as ransomware, are scams designed to create shock and anxiety so that victims respond by sending money quickly. If you receive one of these messages, please be aware that:

• The ransomware is an attempt to defraud you.  
• Sending money will not fix your computer – it will remain locked.  DO NOT SEND MONEY.
• Neither the RCMP nor any other Canadian government agencies would hijack computers in order to obtain money. The ransomware presence is hard evidence that your computer has been infected by malicious software (malware) that must be dealt with.
• The only way to regain access to your computer is to seek the help of a computer technician who can remove the malware.
• To protect against cyber attacks, you must regularly update your software.  You need good anti-virus, spyware and firewall protection.
 
If you receive a ransomware message, please contact your local police force and the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) to report it: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/
 
Fraud: Recognize it. Report it. Stop it.
 
Canadian Anti Fraud Centre
1-888-495-8501

Wheatland announces water protection grant

    Wheatland County is helping its residents protect one of the area’s most precious resources; its water.
    Through the Water Protection Funding Initiative, landowners can obtain up to $3,500 to implement practices that increase the health of riparian areas, and protect surface and groundwater sources.
    “It’s a program to protect our sources of water in the county,” said Glenn Koester, Reeve of Wheatland County. “There are quite a few different programs that can be helped by the program.”
    Landowners considering off-site watering systems, portable livestock shelters, riparian fencing, decomissioning abandoned water wells, or any project that benefits the health of water systems in Wheatland are encouraged to apply.
    The money for the Water Protection Funding Initiative is provided by both Wheatland County and the Government of Alberta.
    This is the second year the initiative has been provided.
    “A few years ago there was a push for environmental farm plans and for farmers to get some of the same projects done. Since that has been gone, we, as a county, wanted to keep some money available to our ratepayers,” said Koester.
    For more information regarding the Water Protection Funding Initiative, residents are encouraged to contact Sarah Schumacher, agricultural conservation coordinator for Wheatland County, at 403-361-2027 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .