This month the Financial Crime Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division has received four reports of citizens who have been contacted by a suspect who claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. The suspect tells that the victim they owe the agency a sum of money and requests that the payment be made in the form of prepaid credit cards. In some cases, the suspect threatens them with potential jail time or deportation, and uses aggressive and forceful language. 

 

These calls are not legitimate. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact police.

 

Investigators remind citizens to be suspicious of any calls asking for money and to make sure the call is legitimate before sending money or making a donation. You should also refrain from providing personal information, whether the solicitation occurs by telephone, email or in person, unless you have initiated the contact or you are certain of the identification of the person and the legitimacy of the organization they claim to represent. Providing personal information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and date of birth could lead to identity theft.

 

If you have been the victim of a scam, you should report the matter to police by contacting the Financial Crime Unit at 902-490-1985.

 

Please review the advisory from Canada Revenue Agency below:

 

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/lrts/2015/l150610-eng.html