SASKATOON – It’s a scam that’s been making its rounds and leaving people out thousands of dollars. What makes this scam seem so legitimate is it’s using the Canada Revenue Agency as its cover.
Listen below: A recording of a message being used in Saskatchewan for the recent CRA phone scam:
Saskatchewan RCMP say the calls are convincing and forceful but it’s a scam that is likely being orchestrated outside of the country.
“In August of 2015, F division RCMP received 88 complaints directly related to this CRA fraud. these calls extended to at least 45 detachments so 45 communities within Saskatchewan. We suspect many more calls have not been reported to police,” said Insp. Donovan Fisher, the officer in charge of Integrated Organized Crime North for the RCMP.
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84 of 88 complaints involved the caller requesting less than $5,000 according to Fisher. The other four involved amounts totaling more than that and victims continue to come forward who are out tens of thousands of dollars.
Each of these pinpoints on this map represents a compliant filed last month with RCMP. September numbers have been even higher.
“There’s a number of other municipal forces within the province so they’re receiving calls as well. We had some as recently as over the weekend so unfortunately the number is increasing and it’s changing pretty much every day,” remarked Fisher.
READ MORE: Hundreds of tax scam complaints made to Saskatoon police
Police are again warning the public about these crooks and to remain vigilant. Do not give out any sensitive information, in fact have the caller provide this information to you.
“The caller should be able to tell you when you have filed your taxes, your reported income, your mailing address.”
When asked to pay an outstanding fine request an invoice or a reassessment that is writing and can be mailed to you explaining the charges. RCMP also said that during this scam there is usually no chance for a sober second thought as the caller preys on your fears.
“If you don’t do this money transfer before you hang up, the police are coming to your house,” explained Fisher as a tactic the caller will try to use.
“That is totally inaccurate.”
Although the calls appear to be random, police say senior citizens and those new to the country are more susceptible to falling victim to the scam.
If you receive a phone call of this nature or fall victim, you are urged to contact your local police department or RCMP. Investigators say you may feel ashamed or embarrassed but the more information they have to further their investigation, the better.
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