Computer Scams

Port Hope Police received three complaints of computer scams this week. On the 22^nd of April two residents received emails from an unknown source indicating that had their passwords were known and they were requested to send bitcoins to an address or information would be released about what they were viewing on the internet.  In both cases the individuals did not send any bitcoins.  The email was from an outlook email address. Residents who received an email threatening them to send bitcoins to an address are advised by Port Hope Police to delete the email, not respond and change their passwords.

In another matter an 84 year old gentleman was browsing the internet on the 21^st of April when a window popped up indicating that the computer had a virus. The gentleman called the number indicated and spoke with someone purporting to be a Microsoft employee. The man agreed to a security package and sent money via pay pal. When he received the agreement it was very vague. He realized he possibly had been scammed and contacted Port Hope Police. Police contacted the number the man called and spoke with a person who terminated the call when the officer identified herself.  Port Hope Police continue to advise residents to be wary of such scams and ignore “Pop-up Windows” because if accessed they could redirect to a virus.

A Message from the Municipality of Port Hope concerning opening fishing

Land use restrictions

Council authorized the closure of lands and parks that border the Ganaraska River, effective April 22 until May 12, 2020, in an effort to limit group gatherings as it relates to the opening of the trout fishing season. This closure includes all greenspaces and trails from Molson Street South to Lake Ontario and prevents access to the River through municipal properties.

In addition, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) owns a significant number of properties along this stretch of the River. A meeting of the GRCA Board was held on Thursday, April 16, 2020 and the Board supported this initiative.

Failure to comply with this restriction of the land use can result in a fine of $150, per By-law 54/2017 section 3 (a). This information is being communicated to the public through various communication tools including online, through social media and via signage posted along the River and at the community entry locations along the 401 corridor.

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