Canadians beware: The RCMP has issued yet another warning about Canada’s ongoing tax scams. It has come to light that there are people impersonating Canada Revenue Agency employees in an attempt to steal your hard earned money.

According to Global News Edmonton, “in the months of July and August alone, there have been 17 reports of scams to the RCMP […], some tricking people out of thousands of dollars.” There have been warnings issued not only in Edmonton but across the country.

If you receive a phone call, e-mail or even a text message from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”), how can you be sure they are who they claim to be?

These imposters choose taxpayers at random from the phone book, pretend to be Collections agents from the CRA, and not only scam you for all your money but will also threaten your freedom. You may wonder how they have convinced so many Canadians to hand over their personal information.

These scammers are so committed they even make their phone number appear as if it is the RCMP or CRA calling. Once they have you on the phone, they begin getting aggressive, advising you that you owe the Canadian government money, and if you do not pay immediately someone will to take you off to jail. You are then told to provide a credit card number, or to go purchase a pre-paid credit card to pay the amount they claim you owe.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid such scams. First, Canadians need to know that the CRA never accepts payments by credit card. This is always a telltale sign of a scam. If you are still not sure that it is the Canada Revenue Agency calling, ask them for your personal details, such as your social insurance number. You can even tell them you need documentation in writing sent to you by mail and you are simply not comfortable communicating over the phone.

If you have been contacted by the Canada Revenue Agency for any reason, and you need, or think you need legal assistance, give Barrett Tax Law a call and we would be more than happy to assist you.