Tax scams target more than 400 people across the GTA in the past month

TORONTO — Police are warning the public about tax scams targeting hundreds of people across the GTA.

York Regional Police said they have received more than 400 reports of tax scams by phone or email in the past month.

Recent incidents involved fraudsters posing as Canada Revenue Agency employees and telling victims they have overdue tax amounts they need to pay immediately or they will be arrested.

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The scammers then ask the victims to transfer money through either a wire transfer or gift cards, both of which police said are difficult to trace.

Investigators said the scam can take other forms as well, with suspects calling about issues with immigration papers and threatening deportation if a person doesn’t pay.

Late last month, Peel Regional Police warned of suspects going door-to-door dressed in police uniforms claiming to be collecting money for the CRA.

Police said they had received numerous reports from residents having received phone, mail or emails appearing to be from the CRA.

According to the CRA website, the CRA will not request personal information of any kind from a taxpayer by email.

Police said anyone caught committing this type of fraud could face two to 14 years in prison.

If you have been a victim of a fraud and have lost money, contact the York Regional Police Major Fraud Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6627.

To report a fraud where you have not lost money, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.