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Broadcast time: 11:15 am |
Date: March 16, 2016 |
Due to a rash of reports by local citizens who have been contacted by individuals claiming to be an officer from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) the Sarnia Police Service would like to remind people to keep certain things in mind.
- Do not give out any information over the phone, rather gather information from them or simply hang up.
- Police officers be they local or RCMP will not be calling you to tell up and telling you to pay your back taxes and then threatening you with jail time or fines.
- If you are concerned, take time to research the claim by contacting the CRA through a phone number you have verified not one given to you by the caller. They will make it seem urgent that you respond immediately. DON’T
- The CRA will not ask you to wire them money through various accounts or people, especially out of country.
- Talk to others such as lawyers, bankers, accounts or the police about the situation. Do not allow their threats of increased fines or jail time deny you this right.
- If you know someone who may be vulnerable to this scam please tell them what they need to watch out for.
- These scam artists will keep tacking on other expenses once they begin receiving payment from you such as processing fees, investigation fees, etc. This should be another sign that they are attempting to defraud you of your money.
Their intention is to take advantage of those must vulnerable. If you fall victim to one of these scams please contact the Sarnia Police Service. If instead you have further questions or concerns or just want to pass on information you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-494-8501 or visit their website.
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca