(HURON COUNTY, ON) – Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind Huron County residents that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam is still very much active in this area. Over the last several weeks Huron County OPP has investigated numerous attempted cases of this scam. And, in at least one case, the scam has tricked a young Central Huron man into believing he owed $3,800 for back taxes. The victim followed through and wired $3,800 to the scammer. In this case it was very fortunate the victim was able to recover $1,800, however he is still out $2,000.
Generally there are two variations to the scam.
Variation 1 – The scammer will inform you by email or phone that you are entitled to a tax refund or benefit payment. In order to receive the payment you must provide personal information such as your social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.
Variation 2 – The scammer will call you or send you an email message informing you that you owe back taxes as a result of an audit. The scammer will often use threatening or coercive language to scare you into paying a fictitious debt to the CRA. Threats made by the scammers indicating that you will be arrested, deported or a lien placed on your home or vehicle are commonly used.
Protect yourself and beware of this scam. Here are some tips to avoid becoming the next victim.
Do not take immediate action. Verify that what you are being told is the truth.
Ask yourself why the CRA would be asking for personal information over the phone or email that they likely already have on file for you as a taxpayer.
Contact the CRA to confirm that you owe back taxes or are entitled to a refund, before providing any personal or banking information.
Be careful of fake CRA websites where the taxpayer is asked to provide personal information.
Remember the CRA will not request payments by prepaid credit cards.
More information about fraud scams involving the CRA
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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