OCPD alert citizens to recent online scams

The Ocean City Police Department announced Tuesday a recent increase in reports of computer scams.

Police say victims report being contacted by an online computer repair company that tells them their computer is infected with a virus that must be removed. The phony company then allegedly asks for payment through a wire transfer, gift cards or a fake online payment system.

Police say the scammer was able to gain remote access to victims' computers, actually installing a virus rather than removing one.

One victim of this scheme reportedly lost nearly $1,000 before they alerted police.

The OCPD urges citizens to be extra cautious of unsolicited offers online. No authentic company would have any way of knowing someone's computer was compromised with a virus without being contacted by the customer first. Researching a company before using their services is recommended.

Additionally, police say to be wary of online business that only accept wire transfers, gift cards or cash.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of an online scheme like this should file a report with their local police department, officials said.