Local OPP is warning residents of a Canada Revenue Agency Scam in the Parry Sound region. Scammers are demanding cash for outstanding taxes or your personal information for what they claim is a tax refund.
OPP Constable Kyle Ney says there are ways you can spot a scam right from the start.
Victims are contacted by either phone or email and are instructed to make payments through a money service or by pre-paid debit and credit cards. Police are warning these scammers are aggressive and instill panic in their victims by threatening arrest and prosecution if payments aren’t made.
Police are urging you not to take any action until you’ve confirmed your tax status with the CRA. Constable Ney says there are steps you can take if you think you’re being scammed.
Ney says be especially suspicious of someone claiming to be from a government agency asking for your personal information. They should already have it.
For information about CRA scams click the Canada Revenue Agency website at CRA Scam. To contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre call 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at Anti-Fraud.
If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). To find an OPP detachment nearest to you, call 1-888-310-1122.
(Filed by: Tom Mangos)