Alberta RCMP are warning Albertans to beware of a scam in which taxpayers receive phone calls or emails from individuals claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency. The nationwide scam involves people impersonating Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) officials, and the RCMP is raising public awareness on this issue in communities throughout the province and across Canada.
The scammers tell taxpayers that they either owe money to the CRA or have a tax refund. The scammers threaten taxpayers with arrest or jail time if they do not take immediate action and provide money or personal financial information.
“The CRA takes these matters very seriously and provides substantial information to Canadians about how to protect themselves from scams undertaken using the CRA’s name. Informing yourself is particularly important during the tax filing season, when such scams peak,” said the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue.
This information, including examples of scam telephone calls and emails, can be easily found on the CRA web site.
“Scammers are always looking for new ways to get your money or your personal information,” warns RCMP Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean, who leads the force’s Federal Policing Special Services. “The RCMP works every day to track down fraudsters and bring them to justice, but raising awareness about fraud is also important as it is one of the most effective ways of protecting Canadians from scammers. The more you know about a specific fraud, the less likely you'll be a victim of that fraud.”
When real CRA employees call taxpayers, they follow established procedures to ensure personal information is protected. To confirm the authenticity of a call, contact the Canada Revenue Agency by using its official telephone number for individual tax enquiries: 1-800-959-8281. You can also verify your individual tax account through a secure CRA portal: My Account.
Anyone in Cochrane and area who believes they may have been victimized by this scam, or who has given out personal or financial information in error, is advised to contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 and their financial institution.
