The Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP are warning people about a new twist on an old scam.
The scam begins with someone calling and saying they’re with the Canada Revenue Agency, telling the victim they owe thousands of dollars in back taxes.
The caller threatens the victim with jail if they don’t pay up.
But instead of asking for a cheque or money order, the scammers ask the victim to purchase iTunes cards, activate them, and provide the codes.
“You cannot pay your taxes in iTunes cards,” Constable Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a press release. “It is a scam.”
RCMP say if you do get a phone call like this, but are not victimized, simply hang up the phone. There is no need to contact the police.
For more information about this and other frauds, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.