ICBC warns customers to delete texts that appear to offer a refund
Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Sep, 2017 02:03 PM
The Insurance Corporation of B.C. is advising its customers to delete any recent text messages claiming to be from the auto insurer, because the messages could be a scam.
ICBC spokeswoman Joanna Linsangen says several customers report receiving texts informing them of a refund for a traffic fine or red-light violation and providing a link to claim the money.
Linsangen says the link directs the user to a site where personal banking information must be entered.
She says the corporation believes the texts are part of a SMiShing scheme, short for SMS phishing, aimed at tricking users to unknowingly download malware onto a mobile device or to send personal information.
A news release from the corporation says it never uses unsecured channels like text messages or social media to communicate sensitive information and it never issues refunds via text or Interac e-transfer.
Customers who have received a suspect message on their mobile device are encouraged to report it to the non-emergency line of their local police department and also to the federal government's Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Horgan made the comments Thursday during a conference call from Washington, D.C., following two days of meetings with trade officials from President Donald Trump's administration and Canada's ambassador to the U.S.
Police are again condemning the disregard for public safety held by those involved in brazen criminal activity, following a daytime shooting in South Surrey.
