A coordinated response between Toronto and Edmonton police stopped a suspected fraudster from accessing nearly $2.9 million through a remote computer access scheme.

Toronto Police prevented a resident from losing approximately $2.9 million after intervening in an active telecommunications impersonation scam. Edmonton Police alerted Toronto’s Financial Crimes Unit to the suspected fraud, prompting an immediate response from 32 Division officers. Police arrived at the victim’s home as the suspects were attempting to access online banking information.

The scheme began when a caller claimed to represent a major telecommunications provider. The suspect told the resident that service upgrades were underway in the neighbourhood. He then requested access to the victim’s computer to perform an internet speed test. The victim was persuaded to install UltraViewer, software that allows another person to remotely control a computer.

After gaining access, the suspect claimed the computer contained viruses and other technical problems. He offered to resolve the issues before directing the victim to open their online banking account. The caller claimed this was necessary to check for unauthorized withdrawals. Instead, police believe the instructions were part of an attempt to steal the resident’s money.

Officers arrived while the victim was still on a video call with the suspects. They immediately identified the situation as fraudulent and instructed the resident not to authorize any transactions. The suspects disconnected the call when officers attempted to speak with them. Police also observed activity suggesting someone was continuing to access the computer remotely. Their intervention prevented any money from being transferred.

Toronto Police are warning residents against installing remote-access software at the request of unsolicited callers. Investigators also caution that caller identification, familiar company names and video calls do not establish legitimacy. Anyone receiving suspicious technical support requests should disconnect and independently contact the company through verified channels. Residents can report suspected fraud through Toronto Police’s online reporting system.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.