A Coquitlam man is out $8,000 after falling victim to one of the most popular scams involving someone impersonating an officer from the Canada Revenue Agency.
According to police, the caller, posing as a CRA officer, told the victim that he owed money to the government and would be arrested by the RCMP if he failed to pay.
READ MORE: Tax season brings tax scams, warns CRA
The caller also ‘spoofed’ or faked their name and phone number to show up as the Coquitlam RCMP’s non-emergency line; which led the victim to believe the call had originally come from the local RCMP detachment.
“Understandably, the victim felt threatened and was fearful of being arrested if he did not comply with payment,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cst. Jamie Phillipson.
“Under no circumstances would the Canadian Revenue Agency or any law enforcement threaten arrest for money owed.”
READ MORE: Police warning the public after tax scammers now coming to the door
Police are reminding the public to be aware of these types of phone calls and if you receive one, to hang up immediately.
For more information on fraud and scam protection, click here.