Canadian Better Business Bureau

Phone scam prompts warning from BBB

The Better Business Bureau of the Maritime Provinces is warning the public about a phone scam that involves individuals being called at home and told their computer has a virus and needs to be fixed.

"The person calling claimed that they were aware of an online virus associated with the consumer's computer," said a better business bureau news release.

"They were offering their assistance in helping to remove the virus from the computer."

The caller directed the consumer to do a number of things on the computer and delete a number of things as well, said the bureau.

"The consumer did not do this and quickly hung up."

Better business bureau research shows this scam has been going on for a number of years and originates from a call centre in India.

A typical scam involves the consumer being directed to a website and told to download a program that will give remote control of the computer to the caller.

The consumer is then asked to pay a fee for "preventative services."

"Never provide any type of information to an unknown caller," said the bureau.

Ketan Haphi, the general manager of Fredericton-based Interactive Computer Systems Inc., said the only organization that could remotely determine that your home computer has a virus is your internet service provider. But your ISP probably won't call and offer to fix it, he said.

"They'll call and tell you your computer is doing some spamming or some virus spreading and if you don't get it fixed within 24 hours we'll cut you off until you get it done," said Haphi.

"ISPs don't really want to get into fixing your virus issues.

"They just want to make sure their customers don't get delayed and their customers don't get affected because of your activity."

Haphi said there are companies online that can diagnose and fix your computer remotely, but they can't tell in advance you have a problem.

"It is something that you would have initiated," he said.

The Codiac RCMP issued a similar warning about such a phone scam earlier this month. It said someone who claims to work for Microsoft, Windows, JARS Support or Online PC Care is calling people, saying their computer runs slow or they have a virus.

If you have been scammed, contact your financial institution immediately for assistance, said the bureau.

Anyone receiving such a fraud call should get as much information as possible and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-485-8501.

Bank of Canada Unveils New Polymer Bank Note Series - Central ...

The Bank of Canada unveiled a new polymer bank note series today at its head office in Ottawa. Information on the polymer material and advanced new security features was released, along with the images and designs of the soon-to-be-issued $100 and $50 bank notes, and the themes for the remaining notes in the series.

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and RCMP Commissioner William J. S. Elliott joined Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney for the unveiling ceremony.

Minister Flaherty spoke of the importance of cash as a means of payment in the daily lives of Canadians, adding this is why it is important Canadians see their story reflected in the designs. “These bank notes evoke the country’s spirit of innovation, and their designs celebrate Canada’s achievements at home, around the world and in space,” he said. “Bank notes are cultural touchstones that reflect and celebrate our Canadian experience.”

The $100 note, which is to be issued in November 2011, features images that focus on Canadian innovations in the field of medicine: from pioneering the discovery of insulin to treat diabetes, to the invention of the pacemaker and to the role Canadian researchers have played in mapping the human genetic code. Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada between 1911 and 1920, in an updated portrait, remains on the front of the note.

The $50 note, which will be issued in March of 2012, features images of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Amundsen in the North, reflecting Canada’s leading role in Arctic research. It also evokes the part that Canada’s northern frontier—with its vastness and splendour—has played in shaping our cultural identity. An updated portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Canadian Prime Minister between 1921 and 1930 and again from 1935 to 1948, is on the front of the note.