York Regional Police are warning the public that there has been an increase in fraudulent activity conducted by phone and/or email. In some instances, the suspects use software to have their number appear to be calling from a police line or even the CRA directly.
In one instance, a woman was told she owed $58,000 in overdue taxes and if she did not pay immediately she would be arrested.
If you receive any request by email, phone or other format and you suspect fraud, please contact the police directly.
The CRA has issued guidelines on its website to help you identify possible scams. The CRA:
- never requests prepaid credit cards;
- never asks for information about your passport, health card, or driver's licence;
- never shares your tax payer information with another person, unless you have provided the appropriate authorization;
- never leaves personal information on your answering machine or asks you to leave a message containing your personal information on an answering machine.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.