**** RCMP Media Release
Scammers pose as CRA reps, defraud two victim of nearly $50,000
Police are warning about scammers who recently posed as CRA representatives to defraud two victims of nearly $50,000 combined.
On October 4, RCMP responded to a complaint that a 34-year-old Lower Sackville man was defrauded of nearly $40,000. Later that day, RCMP responded to another complaint that a 40-year-old woman from Cole Harbour was defrauded of $9,100.
On October 4, both victims received a call from someone unknown to them who stated they worked for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The suspects told the victims that they owed money to the CRA and needed to transfer them currency in Bitcoin to avoid arrest by the RCMP. The suspects directed the victims to deposit the Bitcoin at a specific Bitcoin ATM.
The victims did what they thought was required and made the transfer.
Police want to remind the public that being scammed is never the victim’s fault. Scammers can be very persuasive and convincing. You are not alone if you have been the victim of fraud.
Please note that CRA does, on occasion, contact taxpayers by phone. However, it is important to note that the CRA will never:
- ask for information about your passport, health card, or driver’s license
- demand immediate payment by Interac e-transfer, Bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or gift cards
- use aggressive language or threaten you with arrest or sending the police
- leave voicemails that are threatening or give personal or financial information
Anyone who suspects they may be the victim of fraud or have been tricked into giving personal or financial information should contact their local police service. The CRA posts warnings of scams as they become aware of them at www.canada.ca/taxes-fraud-prevention. Please report these calls to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. AST) or online at www.antifraudcentre.ca.