Wood Buffalo RCMP warn residents of“you’ll be arrested”phone scam

On February 26, 2018 the Wood Buffalo RCMP have received several calls from concerns citizens about suspicious phone calls they are receiving today stating they will be arrested if they don’t pay owed money to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It’s tax time, and RCMP are advising residents of a reoccurring phone scam.

In this scam, suspects contact potential victims by phone, if the caller answers, they are advising tax money is owed. The suspects use high pressure tactics and in some cases threaten the victim “you’ll be arrested” if the amount owing is not paid immediately. Or, they leave a message to call them back at a non-government number, claiming to be from the CRA.

If you receive a call from someone claiming you owe money, get as much information from them as possible, do not provide any of your information, and tell them you will call them back.

• Don’t trust the phone number or email from the caller. Verify they are who they say they are from a legitimate website.

• NEVER share any personal information with the caller, such as confirming your legal name, date of birth, social insurance number, address, etc.

• Do not provide any personal information, and ensure the call has been ended before discussing anything personal.

• Be careful before you click on any links in any email you receive. Some criminals may be using a technique known as phishing to steal your personal information when you click on the link. Shred unwanted documents, or store them in a locked and secure place.

• CRA will contact you via your secure account online, which only you should have access.

RCMP advise they will not make arrests for overdue CRA fines. The CRA will not request payments by prepaid credit cards, or itunes gift cards. These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police. Do not provide payment or any personal details.

If you believe you may be the victim of fraud or have given personal or financial information unwittingly, contact the Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040 or call your local police. For more information on scams contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online at www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca or toll free at 1-888495-8501. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www. tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).