Fraudsters are scamming midwestern Ontario residents by claiming they owe Canada Revenue Service money.
Huron County OPP says a Goderich resident lost $4,680. to a telephone tax scam.
Owen Sound police say they have received a number of complaints from residents who were targeted, but recognized the fraud.
The callers are often threatening, and aggressive. They threaten arrest or other consequences if a money transfer is not received immediately.
The CRA offers the following tips to keep residents safe from this scam:
- Do not take immediate action. Verify that what you are being told is the truth.
- Ask yourself, why would the CRA be asking for personal information over the phone or in an email when they have that information on file for you as a taxpayer.
- Contact the CRA to confirm that you in fact owe back taxes, or are entitled to a refund, before sending any personal information or banking information.
- Never wire money to someone you do not personally know.
- Hang up the phone if you get such a call and call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report the matter.
