A Ladysmith church is missing $40,000 after a suspected cyber-attack on its bank account.
The RCMP are investigating a report that someone transferred funds out of the account of Ladysmith First United Church via an online transaction.
Representatives of the church became suspicious during Christmas period, and reported the disappearance of funds on Dec. 27.
More money went missing after that, and police say they are working to trace the online footprint of the person or people responsible.
“Somehow their account at one of the local financial institutions was compromised through the Internet,” Cpl. Tim Desaulniers of the Ladysmith RCMP detachment said. “It’s very preliminary right now. It looks like it originated Down East.”
So far, the crime is considered an isolated incident.
“I don’t think it’s targeting churches or groups per se,” Desaulniers said.
“It’s just common sense prevails. Change your passwords frequently. Make sure your passwords [and personal information] are protected as best you can.”
Police are tracking Internet Protocol addresses in hopes of sniffing out the hackers.
The chairman of the church’s board of directors could not be reached for comment.
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