The Glovertown RCMP wish to advise the general public of an increase in calls from individuals that are claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The callers are threatening criminal investigation or possible arrest for unpaid taxes if the outstanding monies are not paid via wire transfer.
These calls are fraudulent. Check out these tips below to help identify a fraudulent call and protect yourself and others from this type of scam.
When the CRA contacts you they will never:
- Ask for personal information by email or text message.
- Request payment by prepaid credit card or wire transfer.
- Share your tax information with another person or organization unless you agree that it can be shared.
- Leave personal information on an answering machines.
- Threaten or use nasty language.
- Threaten arrest or to send police.
"We all have friends, neighbors or family members who could be vulnerable to this type of scam." says Sgt. Dave Ossinger, detachment commander in Glovertown. "We ask residents to share these tips and help everyone protect themselves and their personal information."
If you believe that you may be a victim of fraud or have provided your personal information by mistake, please find your local RCMP detachment.
Please note, you should only call 911 or police emergency lines in case of emergency.
If you receive a call that sounds like a scam do not give out any personal information, hang up and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.