Over 30,000 phishing messages: Quebecer fined $40,000

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) fined a Quebec resident $40,000 for sending more than 30,000 phishing text messages.

From Dec. 22, 2020, to Jan. 14, 2021, Sammy Meduni allegedly fraudulently obtained phone numbers and sent at least 31,925 electronic messages without the recipients’ consent, the CRTC announced Monday.

Messages follow brands familiar to the general public in order to obtain personal data such as credit card numbers or bank identifiers.

“None of the evidence presented during the trial indicated that Sammy Medoni obtained the necessary approval for the dispatch [messages électroniques commerciaux]», as indicated in the report of the CRTC’s Chief Compliance and Investigation Officer.

The CRTC began its investigation after a phone company alerted it to a scam that could affect its customers.

“These phishing attempts are not only a nuisance to Canadians, they also put our personal and financial information at risk,” said Steven Haroon, CRTC’s Chief Compliance and Investigations Administrator.

Canadians who receive unwanted messages can report unsolicited calls to the National Do Not Call List Administrator online or by phone at 1-866-580-3625.

Regarding spam or other electronic messages, you may contact the Spam Reporting Center.

If money or personal information is lost after a call, it is recommended to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.