Oliver RCMP continue to receive numerous reports of people falling victim to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) frauds.

The first involves fraudsters calling consumers impersonating the CRA, claiming a recent audit has identified discrepancies from past filed taxes. Repayment is required immediately. Fraudsters threaten consumers that failure to pay will result in additional fees and/or jail time or deportation. Fraudsters request payment by a money service business or pre-paid cards / gift cards (iTunes).

The second involves consumers receiving an email indicating a refund is pending from the CRA. The email includes a link that directs consumers to a website that mimics the actual CRA. Consumers are urged to input their information before receiving the refund (email money transfer). Victims that input their information, including Social Insurance Number (SIN), Date of Birth (DOB), banking information, are subject to identity fraud. No refund is ever issued.. Part of that work involves remaining ever vigilant to the schemes of criminals who would have us unwittingly hand our money over to them.

Police urge people to remember:
•CRA will never ask for personal information through an email or text message or by clicking on a link.
•CRA will never request payment by prepaid credit cards or iTunes gift cards, and it does not send emails containing details of a tax refund or Interac e-transfer payments.

If you’ve shared personal information, contact Equifax and Trans Union to place fraud alerts on your account. If you’ve shared banking information with the scammers, contact your financial institution to place alerts on your account. Report any frauds to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

You work hard for your money, please be vigilant to the schemes of criminals.

Cpl. Christina Tarasoff
Oliver Detachment