WPS warn of fraud that redirects employee payroll

A stock image of a book keeper

Windsor police have issued a warning to local business about an online scam that redirects employee pay deposits.

According to police, the community has seen a recent uptick in cases. Typically fraudsters gain access to a person’s email account, and then send a request to their employer’s payroll department to change their direct deposit information. The funds are then redirected into a fraudulent account if possible.

The requests appear to be real as they’re made from the employee’s real email address.

Police say that you can protect your business and employees by confirming requests to change banking details through a secondary contact - like a phone call or conversation.

It’s also wise to encourage the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

Unfortunately, the scam is often not detected until after payment is processed, and the funds are gone.