Photo by Maureen RevaitPhoto by Maureen Revait
Windsor

ERCA loses nearly $300K in phishing scam

The Ontario Provincial Police is investigating after the Essex Region Conservation Authority was defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars in an email phishing scheme.

ERCA reported that two electronic transactions were made to two falsified bank accounts in the month of July. There was one transfer of $61,876 and the other was for $230,865. The transfers were made as a result of a phishing email to ERCA staff in which the fraudster posed as an internal staff member.

“These types of targeted attacks are all too common and can take many forms. Governments and businesses are just as vulnerable to scams as are individuals. Rest assured we are working with all appropriate authorities to fully investigate this matter,” said Board of Directors Chair Kieran McKenzie.

He said there is an internal investigation underway on top of the criminal investigation.

"There have been several proactive steps that have been taken to try to understand better exactly what happened, why it happened and what we need to do to ensure that it never happens again," said McKenzie.

ERCA officials confirm the funds came from the tax-funded levy and not from any funds that were donated through the Essex Region Conservation Authority Foundation.

ERCA has contacted its financial institutions and is having ongoing discussions with its insurer.

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