It’s tax season, time for a fraud reminder

While phone scams are a regular occurrence throughout the year, a popular Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) fraudulent call can have Townshippers second-guessing their numbers in the middle of tax season.

The Record was contacted recently by a number of locals who have received threatening phone calls from people claiming to be CRA representatives, threatening incarceration for unpaid taxes.

Here are a few things to consider in the event of a suspicious phone call or email:

The CRA does not make threatening phone calls. If there is a discrepancy in taxes filed, it will appear in a tax payer’s notice of assessment.

Itunes and Steam cards are not valid forms of payment. Anyone asked to go purchase them, or anyone threatened with jail or the seizure of assets if they don't comply immediately with a demand, should be suspicious.

In addition to threats from the CRA, there are also scams where people are called and told that they have been the victim of fraud and the person on the line is claiming to help them secure their personal information.

According to Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC), it is never a good idea to give out personal information to someone who calls you.

If someone is calling you, they should have your personal information. Ask them to confirm it.

If you get a call from a representative claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call the number on the back of your card.

While googling is the go-to for many people looking for answers, phone numbers that are not from a verified website should not be trusted.

A popular online scam is companies claiming to offer technical support. They create an ad, and then pay to have the ad boosted. People will type 'tech support' for a company in the search bar, see a number to call, and fall directly into a scam.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a fraudster can call the CAFC toll free number 1-888-495-8501 to report the incident. The CAFC collects information and forwards it to law enforcement agencies to use in their investigations.

The CRA website has examples of fraudulent calls and tips for how to recognize a scam at www.craarc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menueng.html