Beware scammers trying to cash in on Nova Scotia Power cyber attack: RCMP

The recent ransomware attack on Nova Scotia Power has raised concerns about potential scams targeting customers. The RCMP is warning people to be extra cautious in light of the security breach that affected around 280,000 customers in the province. In response to the attack, Nova Scotia Power has issued a warning urging customers to be vigilant against fraudulent activities.

Cpl. Mitch Thompson of the RCMP’s commercial crime unit emphasized the importance of being alert to potential scams, especially phone calls demanding urgent action or personal information. Scammers may try to exploit the situation by posing as representatives from Nova Scotia Power and creating a sense of urgency to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information.

In response to the increased risk of scams, Nova Scotia Power has posted a scam alert on its website, cautioning customers about fraudulent attempts through various communication channels such as phone calls, text messages, social media, and websites. The company advises customers to be cautious of unsolicited communications and to verify the legitimacy of any requests for personal information by contacting their Customer Care Centre directly.

The cyber breach, which was discovered on April 25, involved unauthorized access to customer data dating back to March 19. Stolen information may include personal details such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, dates of birth, account history, driver’s licenses, social insurance numbers, and bank account numbers. Nova Scotia Power has confirmed that the stolen data has been published on the dark web.

Experts are urging affected individuals to monitor their credit activity and remain vigilant for signs of identity fraud or bank fraud. Spence Hutchinson, a threat intelligence researcher at cybersecurity firm eSentire, advises individuals to check for any suspicious activity in their financial accounts since the data breach occurred.

If anyone suspects they have fallen victim to fraud, the RCMP recommends reporting the incident to law enforcement or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. It is crucial for individuals to stay proactive in protecting their personal information and to verify the legitimacy of any communications related to the Nova Scotia Power cyber attack.