Scam alert: West Kelowna RCMP says CRA fraudster has spoofed police phone number

West Kelowna RCMP say they’re investigating a telephone scam that appears to originate from their detachment.

Police say the fraudster is posing as a collection agent of the Canada Revenue Agency, and falsely tells victims there’s a large amount of money owing on their personal taxes.

The caller further states that the victims will be arrested at their home if they don’t pay the outstanding balance immediately via money transfer or credit card.

While it’s yet another scam, police say this one appears to originate from the West Kelowna detachment.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Police say fraudsters are now using caller ID spoofing, which disguises the real telephone number for another number. By doing this, police say this tricks people into answering their phones and automatically trusting the caller.

5:07 Latest phishing scam uses calendar invites

“We want the public to be aware these types of scams are planned to create stress so that victims respond immediately in an effort to correct or fix the problem,” said RCMP Cpl. Meghan Foster.

“The RCMP does not work with the CRA to collect outstanding taxes.”

3:58 A B.C. photographer out thousands of dollars after falling victim to a scam