RCMP releases tax scam audio to prevent future frauds
Posted August 10, 2020 1:00 pm.
Last Updated August 10, 2020 1:05 pm.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — North Vancouver RCMP is sharing audio of a Canada Revenue Agency tax scam to help prevent further victims.
“So before this matter goes to federal court or you get arrested, kindly press 1 and speak to an officer now,” says a robotic voice in the audio.
“Like many thousands of Canadians, I get these calls every once in a while too,” Sgt. Peter DeVries says in a release. “So I thought I would share the recorded message I recently received. My hope is that it will act as a warning to others, and perhaps prevent someone who’s never heard it before from becoming a victim.”
The department receives complaints about scam calls in waves, sometimes numbering dozens in one day.
“That in itself is a good sign. It tells us that people are identifying these calls as bogus, and that means they’re not falling for them,” DeVries adds.
“But for anyone out there who has never heard these calls, they may still fall for it. Our hope is this recording will add one more tool in the fight against these sorts of frauds.”
Anyone who receives communications, whether by phone, text message, or email, is asked to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
We’re warning everyone again about #CRA #Scam calls and how to avoid becoming a victim. Sgt. DeVries thought he would share a recorded message he recently received – hopefully it prevents someone from falling for the scam! (No, he didn’t press “1”)https://t.co/bAysELAKdz
— North Vancouver RCMP (@nvanrcmp) August 10, 2020
To avoid tax scams, be aware CRA will not:
- ask for information about your passport, health card, or driver’s license;
- call and demand that you pay a tax debt by crypto-currencies, such as bitcoin, prepaid credit cards or gift cards from retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, or others;
- use aggressive language or threaten you with arrest or sending the police;
- leave voicemails that are threatening or give personal or financial information.
If something feels unusual, or if you have even the slightest suspicion that it may be a tax scam, RCMP warns to hang up.
“You can always call the CRA to verify if they are trying to reach you.”
