In light of a number of ongoing phone and email scams, Halifax Regional Police is reminding citizens that they should only report to police if they have lost money as a result of a scam or provided personal/banking information.

Over the past several months, our Integrated Emergency Services call centre has been flooded with calls from people reporting that they had received calls or emails they believe to be scams, but have not actually given any money or provided credit card information. We want citizens to know that police are aware of these scams and are investigating those cases where fraud has occurred.   

Two recent scams involve calls or emails from fraudsters impersonating Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or bank employees. The CRA fraudster claims the person has outstanding taxes that must be paid immediately either by a money service business or by pre-paid debit/credit cards. The CRA fraudster also claims there is a refund and in order for the person to receive the refund they must provide their personal and banking information. In many cases, newly arrived immigrants are being targeted and are told if they do not pay the money or provide the information they will be deported or put in prison.

What should you do if you receive one of these calls or emails?

1.      DO NOT provide any personal or banking information. Hang up immediately. Either go to your bank in person or contact your bank by phone at a number you obtain yourself. Do not call the phone number provided by the caller.

2.      Contact the CRA to confirm that you owe back taxes, or are entitled to a refund, before providing any personal or banking information.

Find more tips and information athttp://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html.

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Source: Media Release