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CRA scammer fails to swindle Kelowna Mountie

RCMP are warning the public of a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam that recently targeted a local Mountie.

The scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be from the CRA or an officer from a law enforcement agency with a warrant out for the victim’s arrest.

These calls are fraudulent, however, and could easily result in identity and financial theft.

“A Mountie became the intended target of the CRA scam while working at the Kelowna RCMP Detachment,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “The scammer then turned hostile and threatened to issue arrest warrants and file lawsuits, when the officer identified himself.”

“Hanging up the phone is the best course of action you can take. You do not need to call your local police if you have only received a scam phone call. We ask that you call your local police only if you have been victimized by the scam.”

The public is reminded that the suspect usually demands immediate payment by credit card, or will convince the victim to purchase prepaid iTunes gift cards to settle these fictitious debts.

The RCMP offer the following tips about the CRA scam:

  • The CRA advises Canadians to confirm the status of their tax accounts before taking any action that may be the result of pressure from suspicious calls or emails, and to verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281.
  • The CRA will never request prepaid credit cards or iTunes gift cards, and it will not send emails containing details of a tax refund or Interac e-transfer payments.
  • The CRA will never ask for information about your passport, health services card or driver’s licence.
  • The CRA will never leave personal information on your voicemail service.
  • 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 a scammer, contact your financial institution to place alerts on your accounts.



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