A woman from Ontario said she lost $3,500 after an electronic transfer (e-transfer) she sent to a friend was intercepted, in an incident that highlights the growing risks of online fraud.

In an interview with CTV News, Jean Ferguson explained that she made the transfer through the usual banking electronic transfer service, but the amount did not reach the recipient. After following up with the bank, she discovered that an unauthorized person was able to intercept the transfer and redirect it to another account.

Ferguson indicated that she had followed all traditional security measures, including choosing a secure password, but she was shocked to learn that her money was stolen without receiving any prior alert.

She said: “I was extremely shocked. I thought this type of transaction was completely safe.”

For its part, the electronic payment institution Interac stated that cases of fraud remain rare, but emphasized the need to use additional verification measures such as activating instant alerts and sending the answer secret to the recipient through a channel separate from email.

Cybersecurity experts advised users on several steps to reduce risks, the most notable of which are:

Creating a unique and complex password.

Sending the password or answer keys in a separate and secure way.

Ensuring the recipient uses a trusted and well-secured email.

Activating the auto-deposit feature to avoid the need for the secret answer.

Ferguson continues to follow up on her case with the bank and Interac, while experts warn that such incidents may increase as Canadians increasingly rely on daily electronic transfers.