Close X
Saturday, November 30, 2024
ADVT 
National

RCMP and CRA Warn That Variations Of The Taxpayer Scam Keep Victimizing Canadians

Darpan News Desk Darpan, 16 Jul, 2016 12:51 PM
  • RCMP and CRA Warn That Variations Of The Taxpayer Scam Keep Victimizing Canadians
The RCMP and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are warning again about the “taxpayer scam” as Canadians continue to be victimized almost daily.
 
Pushy scammers impersonate CRA employees and demand either personal information or payment for a made-up fee or back taxes. They will threaten arrest – or worse – if the fee is not paid immediately. Scammers also alter parts of their story in the hopes of victimizing more Canadians. In the latest variation, scammers ask that the payment be made via iTunes cards.
 
“To date in 2016, almost two million dollars has been reported lost by 590 individuals,” says Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean, who leads the RCMP’s Federal Policing Special Services.  “And if only 5 percent of victims report their losses, we can assume that the actual total amount lost to this scam is much, much higher.”
 
 
The RCMP and CRA remind Canadians to follow several steps to ensure their personal information remains confidential and to avoid being duped by these scammers.
 
“The CRA will never request prepaid cards, ask for information about your passport, health card or driver’s licence, or leave personal information on your answering machine,” says the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue. “Before taking any action, taxpayers should always verify their tax account by checking My Account via the secure CRA portal or by contacting the CRA at 1 800 959-8281. This information, including examples of real scam telephone calls and e-mails, can be easily found on the CRA website.”
 
If you believe you may be the victim of fraud or have given personal or financial information in error, contact your local police service and your financial institution.
 
 
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) – a partnership between the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police – is Canada’s central repository for data, intelligence and resource material on mass marketing fraud. Victims are encouraged to report any scam to the CAFC, either online or by phone toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. Group Says Death Midwives' Philosophy Similar To That Of Birth Midwives

"We do not want to be in a battle with the birth midwives," said Pashta MaryMoon of the Canadian Integrative Network for Death Education and Alternatives.

B.C. Group Says Death Midwives' Philosophy Similar To That Of Birth Midwives

Nearly Half Of Working-Age Canadians Not Saving For Retirement: HSBC report

Nearly Half Of Working-Age Canadians Not Saving For Retirement: HSBC report
The big international bank says 48 per cent of pre-retirees in the country say they have not started or are not currently saving for their life after work.

Nearly Half Of Working-Age Canadians Not Saving For Retirement: HSBC report

'Why Me?' Gay Musician Angered After Hearing Slur During Performance At Legion

'Why Me?' Gay Musician Angered After Hearing Slur During Performance At Legion
HALIFAX — A gay musician says he's angry and upset that he heard someone yell a homophobic slur at him during a recent performance in Halifax that he was then asked to cut short.  

'Why Me?' Gay Musician Angered After Hearing Slur During Performance At Legion

Crown Withdraws Expense Charges Against Quebec Sen. Patrick Brazeau

Crown Withdraws Expense Charges Against Quebec Sen. Patrick Brazeau
OTTAWA — Sen. Patrick Brazeau will no longer face trial over his Senate housing expenses.

Crown Withdraws Expense Charges Against Quebec Sen. Patrick Brazeau

Kashmir Calm But Tense As Curfew, Shutdown Continue

The restive Kashmir Valley, battling the deadliest spell of violence in years, appeared calm but tense on Wednesday amid sporadic incidents of stone-pelting clashes even as large areas continued to be under strict curfew for the fifth day.

Kashmir Calm But Tense As Curfew, Shutdown Continue

Philippe Couillard Denies Giving Orders To Put The Kibosh On Anticosti Drilling Project

MUNICH — Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says he has not given any orders to put the kibosh on plans for exploratory oil and gas drilling on Anticosti Island.

Philippe Couillard Denies Giving Orders To Put The Kibosh On Anticosti Drilling Project