The CRA scam is back!!!
Fort Vermilion RCMP is warning that it’s now targeting residents in the Mackenzie region.
What happens is, suspects contact their potential victims, claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. The false agent then advises the victim that they own money that must be paid as soon as possible.
The suspect uses high pressure tactics, and in some cases, threatens the victim with arrest if the amount owing is not paid.
Mounties advise that no legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards or prepaid credit cards, methods often used by the criminal element to hide their activities from the authorities.
Police say that if you should receive a call from someone claiming you owe money, get as much information from them as possible, and let them know that you’ll call them back. Find the government agencies’ phone number trough a trusted source, such as a phone book or official website, and then call the department back.
Under no circumstances to police advise that you trust the phone number or email from the caller until you’ve verified that they are who they say that they area.
As well, they advise that you DO NOT share any personal information with the caller. That includes confirming your name, date of birth, social insurance number, address, etc.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call Fort Vermilion RCMP at 780-927-3258, or your local police detachment.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
– Posted by BET
