The Wood Buffalo RCMP are advising you of a reoccurring phone scam, where the suspects pretend to be the Canada Revenue Agency.
Potential victims are contacted and told they owe tax money that must be paid as soon as possible and use high pressure tactics, in some cases threaten the victim with arrest if the amount owing is not paid.
If the call goes to voicemail, the suspects leave a message to call them back at a non-government number.
No legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards or prepaid credit cards, the suspect uses those methods to hide their activates from police. The RCMP will not make arrests for overdue CRA fines.
If you receive a call from someone claiming, you owe money, get as much information from the caller as possible and tell them you will call them back.
Never share any personal information with the caller, such as confirming your legal name, date of birth, social insurance number, address, etc.
If you receive an email, be careful before you click on any links you receive. Some criminals may be using a technique known as phishing to steal your personal information when you click on the link.
For more information on scams contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or toll free at 1-888-495-8501. If you believe you may be the victim of fraud or have given personal or financial information unwittingly, contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040
