Have you gotten a text saying you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency? Don’t fall for it.
Canada’s real tax collectors never send texts.
It’s tax season, and that means a spike in a timeworn scam that features fraudsters posing as employees of the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada and telling victims they owe back taxes or unpaid taxes or are accused of committing a financial crime.
The scammers then threaten the victims with arrest, fines or even deportation unless they provide a requested payment.
“Given that it’s tax time, scammers take the opportunity to perhaps capitalize on the fact that taxes are top of mind,” Hofstad said.
But there are a lot of little ways – like texting – by which fraudsters give themselves away, she said.
On March 19, Burnaby RCMP hosts a presentation on ways to spot scammers coming a mile away.
There will be speakers from the CRA and from the detachment’s economic crime unit, talking about how to protect against fraud and recognize a scam and what to do if you’re scammed.
The presentation, part of Burnaby RCMP’s Safe Community Series, takes place Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the council chamber at city hall, 4949 Canada Way.
The event is free but registration is suggested.
RSVP to the crime prevention unit by Wednesday at 604-646-9811 or [email protected].
Those who can’t make the event can visit tinyurl.com/CRAfraud to get tips.
And if someone is calling you and you suspect it’s a scam, hang up and call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
Extended tax season hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
