The Canada Revenue Agency phone scam is back in the news. Greater Sudbury Police are warning Sudburians once again to be wary when someone phones claiming to represent CRA.
In a news release, GSPS said calls are once again coming into police about a spike in phone-scam calls, particularly ones in which the caller claims to be with CRA. This is the not the first time the CRA scam has been active here. In fact, dozens of arrests were made as part of a phone scam sting in India last fall.
Despite the arrests, the scam isn’t going away.
“The caller indicates that the resident is going to be arrested and the police are en route to their residence,” GSPS said.
Please remember, the police service said, Canada Revenue Agency will never:
- request prepaid credit cards or money transfers;
- ask for information about your passport, health card, or driver's license; nor
- leave personal information on your answering machine or ask you to leave a message containing your personal information on an answering machine.
How can you defend yourself against the phone scammer’s pressure tactics?
Here are a few tips from police:
- Do not hesitate to tell someone over the phone that you will follow up by calling the agency / company yourself to confirm what you are being told – if they try to keep you on the line, simply hang up.
- Legitimate service providers and government agencies do not threaten their customers into sending money by way of money transfers.
- Do not provide personal information unless you are the one that initiated the call — no exceptions.
If you’ve never heard what the phone scam sounds like, or if you want to see how one Sudburian defended himself, click here.
If you have been victimized or someone has made you feel intimidated, contact the police service at 705-675-9171.
For information on scams and tips to avoid being scammed, you can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center website or call 1-888-495-8501.
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