The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) continues to receive reports associated to tax scams targeting Canadians by email and phone. Tax scams can involve two variations:

The first involves fraudsters calling consumers impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) claiming a recent audit has identified discrepancies from past filed taxes. Repayment is required immediately. Fraudsters threaten consumers that failure to pay will result in additional fees and/or jail time or deportation. Fraudsters request payment by a money service business or pre-paid cards / gift cards (iTunes).

The second involves consumers receiving an email indicating a refund is pending from the CRA. The email includes a link that directs consumers to a website that mimics the actual CRA. Consumers are urged to input their information before receiving the refund (email money transfer). Victims that input their information, including Social Insurance Number (SIN), Date of Birth (DOB), banking information, are subject to identity fraud. No refund is ever issued.

Warning Signs - How to Protect Yourself

• The CRA will use registered mail to contact consumers - not email or phone.

• Contact the CRA to confirm you owe back taxes or are entitled to a refund.

• Never provide personal information on inbound phone calls. Ask who is calling, document information and do your homework.

• The CRA would never request payment by money service business or iTunes gift cards.

• For more information about Fraud Scams involving the CRA, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

• If you've shared personal information, contact Equifax and Trans Union to place fraud alerts on your account.

• If you've shared banking information with the scammers, contact your financial institution to place alerts on your account.

If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

source: media release, Grey County OPP