The West Parry Sound Detachment of the OPP and the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre continue to receive reports of emails, text messages and telephone calls related to tax scams.
"Our Provincial Communications Centres and local OPP Detachments are being inundated with calls," said Constable Miles Loach. "It is not necessary to contact the OPP to report that you have received one of these calls unless you are a victim of a fraud that can be attributed to this scam."
- Fraudsters are calling consumers impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and claiming that a recent audit has identified discrepancies from past filed taxes. Repayment is required immediately. Fraudsters threaten consumers that failure to pay will result in additional fees, jail time and/or deportation. Fraudsters may request payment via money service business, pre‐paid cards / gift cards (iTunes) or bitcoin.
- Consumers receive an email or text message indicating a refund is pending from the CRA. The email includes a link that directs consumers to a website that looks like the actual CRA. Consumers are asked to fill in their personal information such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Date of Birth (DOB) and banking information before receiving the refund (email money transfer). Victims who input their personal information are subject to identity fraud. No refund is ever issued.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your local police service and the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre at 1‐888‐495‐8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca
