RCMP in Chilliwack are warning residents about a telephone tax scam that is making its way through the community.
Criminals are posing as Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees to solicit money.
In each case, the resident receives a telephone call from a man claiming to be a representative of the CRA. That man then accuses the victim of owing income tax and demands immediate payment either by credit card or prepaid credit card. Police say if challenged, the caller becomes aggressive and threatens the victim with arrest.
“Police have recently experienced a rash of such complaints in Chilliwack,” said Cpl. Mike Rail with the RCMP. “The thieves are convincing, but the RCMP reminds everyone, CRA officials will not threaten court charges, jail, or deportation to scare you into paying debt. The CRA does not request prepaid credit cards.”
Mounties urge anyone who receives these calls to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611.
To confirm you have been contacted by a CRA representative, residents can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 for individual concerns or 1-800-959-5525 for business- related calls.
Tips to protect yourself against fraud.
LISTEN: A recording of a message being used in Saskatchewan for the recent CRA phone scam:
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